Chocolate is found everywhere in almost every supermarket around the planet. Just as it is famous as a candy bar, it is equally acclaimed in cooking. What would life be without chocolate chip cookies; chocolate brownies, chocolate mousse or my fabulous chocolate cupcake recipe.

The word chocolate originates from Mexico however most cocoa is in Western Africa. There are three different varieties of cacao beans used for making chocolate. They are:-

Forastero grows wild and are used more often due to the over-abundance when found. The Forastero beans give you the more classical taste of chocolate.

Criollo is the most expensive because it is hard to grow due to their inability to fight off environmental attacks.

Trinitario comes in a wide variety of taste and can be found fairly easy.

What is it that makes you feel pleased and content after eating chocolate? Is it just the taste or is it the Theobromine and Phenethylamine found in it. These chemicals affect the body in interesting ways. Theobromine can cause chocolate to becoming habit forming (ladies don't we know it); it can reduce a person’s sex drive; increase heart rate; reduces blood pressure; dilates blood vessels; and act to loosen the muscles in the bronchus. Phenethylamine, has an aromatic scent and has been linked to falling in love. Is that why we love chocolate so much? I wonder and I thought it was just cause it tastes so good.

When we devour chocolate; while it is still in the mouth, our bodies produce serotonin. This can cause someone to feel content and pleased.

There are several different health issues that are associated with chocolate consumption. The first one being that it can cause an increase in weight (don't we know it, especially after all those chocolate eggs at Easter). That is due to the additional ingredients that can be found in eating chocolate such as sugar.

The eating of chocolate may cause a decrease in your motivation and enthusiasm. There may be an increased possibility of developing.

On the up side some research indicates that eating dark chocolate could be a way to decrease the possibility of certain heart disease. But you need to watch those calories.

Everyone knows just how seductive chocolate can be. The warmth of your mouth slowly melts the chocolate; allowing us to take pleasure in every pleasant moment. And next time you are enjoy a piece of chocolate you can also revel in your knowledge that is does have health benefits.

So there is no need to feel guilty making this chocolate cupcake recipe.