World Chocolate Day has been observed on July 7 every year since 2009. The day presents an opportunity for people to acknowledge and appreciate the various medicinal and non-medicinal benefits of chocolate.
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The word %u2018chocolate%u2019 is derived from the NahuatI term %u2018xocol%u0101tl%u2019. It was believed to be an aphrodisiac drink that gave a drinker strength. It is believed that chocolate was first brought to Europe in the 16th century. Its origin is still unknown.
However, the United States has its own National Chocolate Day that is observed on October 28. The US National Confectioners Association chose Milton S Hershey’s birth anniversary, September 13, as International Chocolate Day. Ghana, the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world, observes Chocolate Day on February 14.
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What do people do on World Chocolate Day?
The day is marked by some delicious preparation of chocolate-based recipes. Deserts top the charts as chocolate products – syrups, chocolate milk, etc – are made.
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World Chocolate Day is also an occasion to raise awareness about the numerous health benefits of chocolates.
Chocolate is believed to be very nutritious. It is a powerful source of antioxidants and helps lower blood pressure levels.
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According to Healthline, studies have found that polyphenols in cocoa may reduce your risk of neurodegenerative diseases by improving brain function and blood flow.
Flavonoids in dark chocolate that maintain heart health help produce nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to relax and blood pressure to lower, a review published in March 2017 in the American Journal of Physiology: Cell Physiology stated.
