A Chocolate Exhibit

An exhibit, in Omaha, Nebraska that will engross it’s visitors with a story of chocolate. Showing a rain forest treasures that are from the cacao tree, to a sweet for European royalty, and an all the time snack in America.

A tropical rain forest area where they can learn about ecosystem that produces the Therobroma cacao trees. Another area depicting the Maya of Central America, who first turned the bitter cacao seeds into a spicy drink for their celebrations and ceremonies. A different area explores the lives of Aztec people, who introduced chocolate drinks to the Spanish hunters. Others exhibits show how the Europeans adapted chocolate, the chocolate manufacturing methods, the chocolate trade, how cacao is grown and how chocolate is enjoyed by everyone today.

Created by Chicago’s Field Museum, the exhibit will be open through April 26, 2009. There is a small entrance fee, but I am sure it would be well worth the charge. And on Saturdays and Sundays, there will be chocolate samples (1pm to 4pm), or until they are all gone.

Tests Prove Chocolate is Healthy

Chocolate can be calorie-dense and high in fat. Not good health credentials, but in most cased chocolate is healthy.

The American Institute for Cancer Research says enjoy a 1 ounce serving, of at least 70% dark chocolate a few times a week. That’s about a quarter of a small candy bar, or a square of chocolate.

Chocolate has antioxidants ---- substances known as flavonoids that may help prevent heart disease and possibly improve cognitive functioning as you get older. But this does not justify devouring a whole chocolate bar. A study at Cornell University states hot cocoa made with unsweetened cocoa powder has double the antioxidants of red wine and four times the amount of green tea.

One health benefit of chocolate is the "mood elevator." Chocolate is thought to improve pleasure and mood by raising endorphins and serotonin levels in the brain. Chocolate is healthy!!

Eat Dark Chocolate in Moderation

The cacao plant is the source of chocolate. The Latin name for this plant means "food of the gods." The Aztecs believed the cacao beans had more value than gold.

Chocolate or more specifically cacao, is one of the world’s healthiest foods. One way to determine the health value of food is its antioxidant content. Cacao has a higher concentration of antioxidants than almost any other food, including blueberries and acai berries. Cacao has twice the antioxidant level of an equivalent amount of red wine and twice times that of green tea.

So one would think then that, the more chocolate you eat the healthier you would get. Wrong!!

Cacao is very high in calories. Cacao can contain 12% to 50% fat. Although the fats are the healthier unsaturated types, they basically have a neutral effect health-wise, but the high calorie content can cause weight gain if you over indulge.

Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao by weight, and limit daily intake to 6 or 7 grams daily. Enjoy your chocolate, but do it in moderation.

Tooth Friendly Chocolate

Using a new chocolate variety developed by a Swiss cocoa and chocolate supplier; two Belgium chocolatiers have launched "tooth friendly" chocolates.

The Happy Tooth seal of approval is only given to products that ate guaranteed safe for teeth. If sweets carry this logo, they have been scientifically tested by independent and recognized academic institutes for dental health. The test must demonstrate that the product does not cause tooth decay or dental carries.

Some children have tested the chocolate products and 82% say it is delicious.

Elderly Improve Mental Performance With Chocolate

A study’s findings have suggested that elderly people should on a regular basis consume low levels of tea, wine and dark chocolate. The study also suggested that the combination enhanced cognitive performance.

The Oxford University study also warned about getting carried away – because to much chocolate or wine are bad for your health.

Americans Love Chocolate

No matter what the season or occasion, love of chocolate is universal. The cocoa worship of American’s continues to grow, despite the down economy. People are treating themselves to the small luxury of premium chocolates.

Chocolate lovers continue to look for indulgences in products with the finest and freshest ingredients. Those who prefer premium chocolate reach for dark chocolate varieties.

Although, despite the attention on dark chocolate, milk chocolate is America’s favorite. Americans consume an average of 12 pounds of chocolate per person per year.

What you should look for in your favorite chocolate: an attractive gloss, a pleasing aroma, the "snap" factor, creamy feel in your mouth, and flavor. Every palate is different; but remember above all – chocolate must taste delicious!

Dark Chocolate May Fill You Up

Researchers say dark chocolate may be more filling than milk chocolate. They preformed a study involving 16 men, who liked both milk and dark chocolate.

After eating the dark chocolate variety the men consumed fewer calories at a subsequent meal. And they stated they had less cravings for salty, fatty and sugary foods. So the study shows that eating dark chocolate may be a good way to keep your weight down.

Studies and scientific research have suggested the antioxidants in chocolate could lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease – and this study gives all of us another reason to eat chocolate – dark chocolate that is!

Candy Believe It Or Not

-About 4 days after Christmas, a store in England put chocolate Easter candies (eggs, chicks, and bunnies) out for sale next to the marked down holiday candy.

-By fighting soil degradation and finding better ways to dry cacao beans, the cocoa producers of the Ivory Coast plan improvement in quality of their crop. Now 17% of the cocoa crop does not meet quality standards.

-Cosmetics, candy and food labels must disclose it their products use color additives made from insects by 2011. There have been reports of allergic reactions, some life-threatening with these products, according to the FDA.

-One company has not changed wrapper on a chocolate candy since 1918. But they produce 50,000 every day – seems there is no need to change anything.

Chocolate is wonderful, everyone loves chocolate, and a day without chocolate is like a day without sunshine!!