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It’s dark, it's sweet, it’s luscious and it’s sinful…if you still haven’t guessed what we’re talking about, then its time to tell. We have just about begun describing what we can safely call the world’s favourite obsession…..chocolate. The culinary delicacy that was discovered by the Aztecs of Mexico. In the year 1519, the Aztec emperor Montezuma served a sweet concoction of “chocolatl” to his Spanish guests, among whom was the famous explorer Hernando Cortez.

Cortez introduced the Spanish aristocracy to chocolate. They took an immediate liking to it and jealously guarded their secret for about a century. In the mid 1600 chocolate entered the French court when a Spanish princess presented cocoa beans to Emperor Louis XIV. Soon after this, chocolate houses, which served hot chocolate, started to open all over. The first solid chocolate was made by the British company Fry and Sons. Thereafter, chocolates have appeared in many different avatars.

Today we have chocolates of all kinds. I don’t think it will be an overstatement to say that a new type is being created everyday. Yet, it is shrouded in myth and mystery. Here are some chocolate myths busted. So, sink your teeth into the myths and savour the truth.

Myth 1 - Chocolate causes tooth decay

Research shows that this is untrue. Tooth decay is caused due to poor hygiene. Any fermentable carbohydrate on tooth will cause decay.

Myth 2 - Chocolates cause weight gain

Quarter ounce of milk chocolate contains only 13 gm of fat, dark chocolate has 12 gm and almond bars have around14 gm of fat. Besides, an occasional sweet treat helps to keep one “on” the diet plan. So, the key is moderation in consumption. This is true of any food.

Myth 3 - Chocolates are high in cholesterol

Chocolates do not contain any animal protein and therefore contain very little cholesterol.

Myth 4 - Chocolates are high on caffeine

One ounce of milk chocolate contains 6 mg of caffeine as compared to a cup of coffee, which contains 40-108 mg of caffeine.

Now for some exciting choco facts:

• Chocolates contain twice as much antioxidant as prunes.

• Chocolates can be frozen up to six months.

• Chocolates provide all round sensory satisfaction. It has been found that people who indulge in such foods live at least a year longer (on an average).

Now that is reason enough to munch on. So go ahead and let the magic of chocolate and the expertise of your senses take over.

Sangita Kanjilal