The world could be described as hundreds or thousands of jagged jigsaw pieces crammed together with their misfitting partners. Nations are in perpetual war, religions are in inextricable combat, and condemnation saturates every race. The earth is brewing with unhappiness, health failure, and laziness. Because the heart-cuddling idea of transforming this bitter universe to one of love, respect, consideration, and other synonyms is unfortunately unrealistic and unachievable, I believe what our world needs to better itself is chocolate cake.
Chocolate, renowned for its wide-spread consumption, unfairly tarnished reputation for being a junk food, and it’s thick, rich sweetness, indeed has the capability to improve our world. First off, it’s important to clear the record and recognize chocolate for the true gift it is to the human body. There is scientific evidence that chocolate creates an energy boost, promotes alertness, and lessens anxiety and pain. Theobromine, caffeine, tyramine and phenylethylamine are stimulants in chocolate that give the brain a lift. Tryptophan is an amino acid in chocolate that produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter, which reduces stress and produces a calming effect. Also, chocolate triggers the release of endorphins, endogenous opiates in the body, which reduces the body’s sensitivity to pain.
Furthermore, chocolate is teeming with antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that slow or prevent molecule oxidation. These antioxidants aid in preventing cancer, stroke, coronary heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Chocolate is also being studied as a cure for persistent coughing. It contains theobromine, which is a third more effective in stopping coughing than codeine, which is presently considered the best cough medicine. Chocolate contains flavanoids that promote blood flow by helping blood vessels to work more smoothly. Chocolate also consists of vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, B, D, and E, as well as copper, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and phosphorous. Contrary to popular belief, chocolate does not cause acne or worsen it, does not cause tooth decay (actually, it contains ingredients that slow it), is not addictive, and does not raise cholesterol. Though, chocolate does soothe the soul of the premenstrual woman. Studies have shown that a person who eats moderate amounts of chocolate compared to one who eats excessive amounts, or none at all, will live a year longer. That’s an entire year for someone to achieve amazing feats like feeding the hungry, and encouraging world peace!
Chocolate is also a product that is sold in mass quantities in America and all over the world, especially during holidays like Christmas, Easter, and, of course, Valentines Day. About two-thirds of the entire world’s cocoa production comes from Western Africa. According to the World Cocoa Foundation, about 50 million people around the world depend on cocoa as a source of livelihood. So, while people’s lives depend on chocolate production, and the taste buds of the chocolate-buyers are satisfied while also receiving health benefits, everyone can have their chocolate cake and eat it, too! Developments, a free quarterly magazine from the UK Government’s Department for International Development, has written an article discussing chocolate’s part in significant global development regarding the financial market and trade.
Chocolate has also served as a personal delight in my family, and a story that will always remain with us is the ever-famous chocolate cake dilemma. Years ago, my mother asked my father to buy four slices of seven-layered chocolate cake from Mickey & Mooch, a ritzy restaurant so that she could let her coworkers taste it. Somehow, there was a miscommunication, and my father ended up buying four entire chocolate cakes (he maintains to this day that she said “cakes,” not “slices”). Not only did this create a laughable account to reflect upon, but both my father and mother took the cakes to work and everyone had a slice of joy.
Despite common belief that chocolate is a major contributor to obesity and a junk food that should be avoided, evidence clearly states that chocolate is quite the contrary. It has many health benefits, as well as economic benefits. Chocolate creates euphoria, calmness, and heart health, not to mention that it tastes marvelous. With all of these reasons going for it, I’d have to say: “Let them eat (chocolate) cake!”