The story of chocolate goes back to the discovery of America. The Cacao Tree, the plant from which chocolate is derived, was worshipped by the Mayan Civilization of Central America and Southern Mexico. They believed the tree to be of divine origin. Cacao is a Mayan word meaning “God food”. Early European explorers changed the word Cacao to the more familiar Cocoa.

Chocolate is now recognized as having many qualities that are beneficial to health. Several medical studies show that eating chocolate in moderation can actually prolong your life by reducing risk of blood clots and fighting bad cholesterol. Cocoa is also the highest natural source for magnesium. Chocolate is a very complex food source and scientists are just now beginning to unlock its secrets. It contains essential trace elements and nutrients such as iron, calcium, and potassium, and vitamins A, B1, C, D and E.

Chocolate has been found to contain substances called Phenyl ethylamine and Serotonin, both of which are mood-lifting agents. The brain naturally produces these chemicals when you fall in love. Perhaps this is why chocolate was considered an aphrodisiac by the Aztec Indians, and as such, was forbidden to women. It’s no wonder that the average American consumes almost 12 pounds of chocolate each year.

If you love chocolate, Susan’s Basket store has plenty of wonderful gifts for you or the chocolate lover in your life. Is your anniversary coming up? Surprise her with the Passion Play basket or the Sweetest Hangover basket. Whatever the occasion and whoever its for you cant go wrong with a decadent chocolate gift from Susan’s Basket store.