World Chocolate Day 2024: History, Significance, Celebration and Health Benefits

Chocolate is delicious. And, to make things exciting, we celebrate chocolate day on July 7. The day is all about spreading the joy and sweetness of chocolate with your loved ones. World Chocolate Day is different from that of Chocolate Day, which is celebrated on the third day of the Valentine’s week (February 9). World Chocolate Day is celebrated to appreciate the love one has for the sweet treat.

World Chocolate Day: History

The history of chocolate is as rich as it tastes. It goes way back to the ancient Mesoamerican civilization. Chocolates were derived from cocoa beans and thus it was bitter back then.

The Aztecs and the Mayans were the first to discover their love for chocolates. They created a chocolate drink and believed it had some mystical and aphrodisiac qualities in it. When the Spanish conquerors came in contact with chocolate in the 16th century, they brought it back to Europe and added sugar in order to cut the bitterness of it.

After that, chocolate became popular among the masses and became a household treat.

Chocolate companies like Cadbury, Hershey, Nestle, Ferrero all started their operation in the 19th and the 20th century and at present day they are the leading brands and their chocolates are most famous.

World Chocolate Day: Significance and Celebration

One can celebrate World Chocolate Day by handing out goodies made of chocolates like chocolate brownie, chocolate cake, hot chocolate, pancakes and many more. You can also celebrate this day by treating yourself to yummy delights. The main idea to celebrate this day is to never let the child in you die.

Benefits Of Chocolate

1. Lowers blood pressureA certain substance called flavanols found in cocoa, helps in the reduction of high blood pressure.
2. Rich in antioxidantsChocolates, rather dark chocolates in particular, have high antioxidants which helps protecting the cells.
3. Prevents liver damageAs chocolates helps in lowering blood pressure, it also helps in the prevention of liver damage as high blood pressure puts strain on the liver which can cause damage of the liver.
4. Improves heart healthChocolates help in the function of the heart as it reduces blood pressure, increases blood flow and reduces inflammation. Chocolate is definitely a treat saving your heart!
5. Makes you feel happyWho doesn’t like eating chocolates? It definitely brightens up the mood and we all feel good after eating it. More scientific explanation to it is that it stimulates the production of endorphins or the “feel-good hormones” in the brain and thus making us feel relaxed and happy.
6. Boosts brain healthAgain, the flavanols help in the reduction of neurological diseases. Junee Sangani, a dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietic Association says, “The improvement in mood that people can get from eating chocolate comes from the releases of serotonin and endorphins – the feel-good chemicals – in the brain.”
7. Protects your skinThe antioxidants present in chocolates, especially dark chocolate, protects the skin from the UV rays, thus protecting us from sun damage. It also improves skin hydration and texture.

It is proven that a healthy intake of chocolate has always been good for the mind, body and soul. It is bad when the little indulgence converts into binge eating. Otherwise, chocolate is the food for the soul!