Chocolate: one of the great culinary pleasures.

It is beneficial for health, as it reduces the risk of heart disease, stimulates cognitive functions, increases the production of dopamine and serotonin and stimulates metabolism.

International Chocolate Day is celebrated on September 13th, a date that pays tribute to one of the great culinary pleasures. The origin of this holiday dates back to 1995 in France in honor of Roald Dahl, author of the novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Since then, the date has become a global celebration that unites lovers of the sweet treat, but it is also an opportunity to explore its history. It comes from the beans of the cocoa tree, native to the rainforests of Central and South America.

Its first known use as food dates back to the Aztecs, who used it to prepare the drink xocoatl. This ellipsis was served cold and often flavored with spices, honey and flowers. The Aztecs believed that it brought strength and wisdom.

Today it has been proven that chocolate is beneficial to health, as it reduces the risk of heart disease, stimulates cognitive functions, increases the production of dopamine and serotonin and stimulates the metabolism. But it has also been scientifically proven that its use causes addiction.

Writen by Regla Yasira de León Reyes.