Writer CRISTINA GALEOTE
A pleasure beneficial to health
Forty grams a day of dark chocolate, the purer the better, brings multiple benefits to our health. It is a powerful antioxidant, prevents cell aging and protects our heart as it contains polyferol which increases HDL levels, the so-called good cholesterol.
Studies supported by the University of California show that continuous chocolate consumption helps to reduce muscle mass index.
It is excellent to combat fatigue, stress, depression and sleep disorders because it produces serotonin and dopamine substances responsible for good mood, also its consumption releases endorphins that increase libido. It contains magnesium, iron and is a natural source of energy.
And if all this doesn’t convince you, some experts say it’s the best way to fall in love.
Among the best chocolatiers in the world, undoubtedly the best known is the Belgian Godiva Chocolatier, its recent selection “Godiva G Collection” mixes flavors as diverse as spicy chocolate from Mexico or Tasmanian honey and you don’t have to go far, in Barcelona we find one of its 450 stores around the world.
www.godivachocolates.eu
La Maison du Chocolat is one of France’s most prestigious brands of gourmet chocolates with its flagship store in Faubourg Saint-Honoré a must-see. In 2006, La Maison du Chocolat in London offered for sale a diamond-encrusted Easter egg for $100,000.
www.lamaisonduchocolat.com
The American NoKA creates one of the most expensive chocolates in the world, with prices ranging from 230 to 1,500 € kg. Its varieties include delicacies such as the “Vintage collection” with 75% pure cocoa and the “Grand Cru collection” with exquisite and fine handmade dark chocolate truffles.
From Neuchatel DeLafée of Switzerland combines two of the world’s most delicious and sensual pleasures: the finest Swiss chocolate and 24 karat gold. Its “Celebration” praline contains eight chocolate bars covered with twenty-four flakes of edible gold at 100€ per box.
In Spain, Paco Torreblanca offers a wide range of chocolate bonbons that the customer can choose from to fill the box. Its luxury establishments in the Valencian Community look like real chocolate jewelers. www.torreblanca.net
Valrhona is considered one of the best chocolate brands in the world. In its “laboratory” line, it offers more than 80 different productions for the realization of chocolates. www.valrhona.com
Pierre Marcolini is a magician of the senses. Each creation is unique, chocolates with sour, bitter, sweet flavors. Marcolini himself personally travels in search of the best cocoa, the result is simply one of the best chocolates in the world at €200 per kg. www.marcolini.be
Originally from America and considered by our ancestors as “food of the gods”, its origin is surrounded by legend. Mythology tells that the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, gave the cocoa tree to men in gratitude for the love and fidelity of his wife who sacrificed her life for him.
The bitter taste of the fruit is due to the suffering of the princess and perhaps that is why chocolate and love go hand in hand. According to specialists, the craving for chocolate causes the brain to produce endorphins, awakening passion and increasing libido, especially in women.
Legend or reality, the truth is that chocolate is considered since the 17th century, a luxury item that gives us pleasure and happiness.
