July 7 is observed as the World Chocolate Day and its celebration entails sharing and eating chocolates with your loved ones. This year marks 467 years since chocolate was introduced to Europe.

Chocolate is derived from the cocoa tree. Its scientific name is Theobroma cacao or appropriately enough, "food of the gods”. It was given the name by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus.

While the average cocoa pod has 40 beans, it takes 1,000 beans to make about 2 pounds of chocolate liquor, the main ingredient of milk and dark chocolate.

 One of the world’s largest and most popular chocolate manufacturer is Hershey’s which was founded by an American, Milton S. Hershey in 1894 as the Hershey Chocolate Company. Hershey started mass-producing milk chocolate, taking out of the clutches of the wealthy and making it affordable to all.

The world’s biggest chocolate eaters are the Swiss. The tiny nation consumes more 8.6kg a head annually.

Everyone loves chocolates. Chocolates are probably every person’s first love and it lasts a lifetime. No wonder that there is a day to celebrate it.

Yet there are many people who are afraid of eating it due to calorie concerns. Well, here are some benefits of chocolate that will allow you to simply indulge in this yummy treat.

Dark chocolate is often considered as a superfood as it is packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and the flavonoids, polyphenols and phytochemicals make dark chocolate a must have in your diet. 

The flavonoids found in dark chocolate help to curb blood clots and strokes. It keeps blood platelets in a healthy form and improves blood supply to the heart and brain. Thus eating chocolate is good for the heart.

The taste of chocolates itself boosts the senses which in turn helps to generate the happiness hormones like serotonin that instantly pump up your energy levels. They are also known to boost brain function and cognitive abilities.

Consumption of moderate amounts of dark chocolate has been linked to an increase in HDL (good cholesterol) and decrease in LDL (bad Cholesterol) in less than 15 days time.

The high-flavonol content in chocolates is proven to enhance the suppleness of skin by improving density and thickness, ability to fight sunburns and better hydration.

So on this World Chocolate Day, pamper yourself with your favourite chocolates.