At this time of year, chocolate is everywhere. You might be interested to know that, on a global scale, Canadians are way down on the list of chocolate consumption. According to one source, we consumed about 3.9 kg of chocolate per capita in 2005, nowhere near the amount eaten in Germany (11.12 kg per person), Belgium (11.03 kg per person), or Switzerland (10.74 kg per person).Despite our lower consumption, we in North America do love our chocolate. It is the favourite flavour of 52% of us, with fruit flavours and vanilla being first choice for a mere 12% of us. Seems we like chocolate most during the dark days of winter, the season where the most chocolate is consumed. Many of us also like to eat it before bed—22% of all chocolate consumption occurs between 8PM and midnight. (Find more facts at The World Atlas of Chocolate.)
The health benefits of chocolate have been widely reported in the past few years. It contains antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of developing cancer and heart disease. Initial studies have also discovered a possible link between chocolate consumption and a lower risk of stroke and stroke-related mortality. Chocolate is a major source of dietary copper. It is also rich in minerals like iron and magnesium.
Chocolate consumption has been linked to longer life—but only if eaten in small amounts. Those who indulge three or more times a week have been shown to have higher mortality rates than those who enjoy chocolate one to three times per month.
So indulge in that box of Valentine’s chocolates, but, for the sake of your health, eat it slowly and savour every bite!
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