It is quite rare to find a person who doesn't like chocolate.

I sometimes wonder if we would ever have been introduced to this heavenly delight if the Europeans did not visit South America. Thank goodness they did, since today we get to enjoy the sweet rapture of chocolates in various forms.

The history of chocolate is steeped in some remarkable legend. The Aztecs believed that cacao seeds were the gift of Quetzalcoatl, the god of wisdom, and they had so much value that they were used as currency. 

Today, two-thirds of the world's cocoa is produced in western Africa, with Côte d'Ivoire being the largest source. The demand for chocolate has not subsided over the years, and this has led to more cultivation across the world.

The six most popular forms of chocolates are:

Some of the most popular varieties of chocolate bar contain fruit and nuts, while chocolate-based drinks are an alternative to coffee or tea. It is no wonder that the many uses of chocolate make it is an amazing and seemingly magical fruit (cacao beans).

Health benefits 

Chocolate receives a lot of bad press because of its high fat and sugar content. Its consumption has been associated with acne, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and diabetes.

But according to research done in the Netherlands, chocolate's antioxidant potential may have a range of health benefits. The higher the cocoa content, as in dark chocolate, the more benefits there are. Dark chocolate may also contain less fat and sugar.

Some benefits seen are:

Cholesterol

One study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, suggests that chocolate consumption may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, also known as "bad cholesterol."

Cognitive function

Scientists at Harvard Medical School have suggest that drinking two cups of hot chocolate a day may help keep the brain healthy and reduce memory decline in older people.

Heart disease

Research published in The BMJ suggests that consuming chocolate could help lower the risk of developing heart disease by one-third.

Stroke

Canadian scientists, in a study involving 44,489 individuals, found that people who ate chocolate were 22 percent less likely to experience a stroke than those who did not.

Fetal growth and development

Eating 30 grams of chocolate every day during pregnancy may benefit fetal growth and development.

Athletic performance

Findings suggest that a little dark chocolate may boost oxygen availability during fitness training.

So, everything in moderation is good for you. At , we have a range of chocolatey delights you can choose from.

In addition, becoming a YsFriend (member) has its exclusive benefits, every member of ours receive special discounts and offers from YsEpicure.

So check out the range and let us know if you have a special chocolate moment or recipe you would like to share with us.