5 reasons why chocolate was important to the mayans
whole or used as a type of flour), and had many other uses (e.g. However, 1 per cent of people had stomach aches from over-indulging! Why were early Mesoamerican civilizations important? Its not something we have daily, as excess of anything, no matter how many health benefits it has, is not good for you. Besides health perspective, it is even great for skin as dark chocolate contains bioactive compounds that increase the skin density and hydration. Time. Aim for the darker variety instead. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? Many of their amazing structures, such as the temple of Kukulcan, were built solely to depict astronomical events. In case you need more convincing, here are 6 reasons why chocolate is the best gift: It Always Makes People Smile. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. Valentines Day is coming here, and its celebrated across the United States on February 14th every year. Van Houten supposedly also invented the cocoa press, although some reports state his father invented the machine. In the tombs of their deceased rulers, they included cacao beans and various vessels and utensils associated with cacao consumption. The ancient Mayans drank chocolate as a treat and the tradition continued . The ancient Maya people believed that chocolate was a gift from the gods and that it had mystical, supernatural powers. and became the most powerful and influential city in the region by 400 read more, The Mayan Empire, centered in the tropical lowlands of what is now Guatemala, reached the peak of its power and influence around the sixth century A.D. Chocolate Use in Early Aztec Cultures. The drink is made from the bark of a leguminous tree, Lonchocarpus violaceus, which is soaked in honey and water, and fermented. Get notifications on upcoming sales & updates! However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. It's not just a candy conundrum: the question has long interested both biologists and anthropologists who wonder how and why cacao became so important to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Maya and Aztecs, both of whom cherished chocolate so much they used it in religious rites and as currency. Why was the Mita system important to the Incan Empire? In olden days, this resulted in the tradition in European royalty to give their lovers chocolates mixed with amber to stimulate their love. One groups brew contained a low amount (48 milligrams a day), anothers contained a medium amount (520 mg), and the thirds contained a high amount (993 mg). So, if youre planning a beach vacation, perhaps consider loading up on dark chocolate in the prior weeks and months. Please share in the comments below. They made their own varieties of hot chocolate with cane sugar, cinnamon and other common spices and flavorings. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. This effect is caused by the sun's . Love the article and thanks for highlighting Guatemalan cacao. From pioneering the use of solar energy to helping to eradicating disease, here are just a few ways the 39th U.S. president has made the world a better place. Why was wheat important in the Columbian Exchange? Why was chocolate important to the Mayans? In other words, good chocolate is good for you! Ancient Mesoamericans cultivated cacao plants found in the tropical rainforests of Central America. How had we never heard of this before? It only makes sense for. A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that cocoa flavanols are linked to improved thinking skills. Curators are realizing that returning looted artifacts isnt closing museumsits opening new doors. Baked Treats (Much of that process remains unchanged to this day.) According to Hayes Lavis, cultural arts curator for the Smithsonians National Museum of the American Indian, ancient Olmec pots and vessels from around 1500 B.C. It does not store any personal data. The ancient Maya tradition of chocolate-making still thrives in Antigua, Guatemala. Spoiler: chocolate doesnt just taste delicious, its actually good for your health, too. High-quality chocolate made with organic ingredients has been shown to increase heart health. Why were the Olmecs important to world history? Chocolate has the amazing power to provide comfort, warmth and joy, no matter what the occasion. One major difference between chocolate in history and modern times is its transition from a handmade product to something mass-produced. And while local pastry chefs put modern spins on the delicacy, chocolate is nothing new to Guatemala, an interesting starting point when looking at the history of chocolate. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Its a Mayan-owned operation thats been making a unique twist on Guatemalan chocolate for decades. And since the Mayo-Chinchipe were in contact with groups along the Pacific coast, it seems likely that they traded cacao with people who brought it north to Mesoamerica. Mail: jmsc.edu@gmail.com. A study published in the journal Nutrition discovered that people who ate 20g of dark chocolate per day over 12 weeks could spend double the amount of time in front of a UV lamp before their skin reddened compared with those who had eaten normal chocolate. However, since they kept no written history, opinions differ on if they used cacao beans in their concoctions or just the pulp of the cacao pod. It appears to have been a truly integral part of their religious and social lives. Cacao, on the other hand, was among the most significant goods in Maya practices, with great exchange value and medicinal effects. Now, new research published in Communications Biology suggests that cacao was first domesticated around 3,600 years agoand not in Mesoamerica. The Manufacture of Rubber. All the effects of chocolate on the circulatory system lowering blood pressure, opening up the blood vessels and reducing inflammation can help keep our hearts healthy and ward off heart disease and strokes, research published in the BMJ shows. Another newly released study gives a possible answer. The ancient Mayans used cacao beansthe principal ingredient in chocolateas a currency, according to a study published in the journal Economic Anthropology. Food, wine & culture for the ethical traveler. The Fold - NZ WordPress Design & Development. In fact, bonbons even originated in the royal French court back in the 17th century. Produced from the seeds of tropical cacao trees native to the rainforests of Central and South America, chocolate was long considered the food of the gods, and later, a delicacy for the elite. This is because dark chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which helps to release endorphins and light up pleasure centres in the brain like when youre feeling all warm and fuzzy inside or when falling in love. So if chocolate is the food fit for the Gods then it might be good enough for your significant other- or even you. Whether you purchase the chocolate for a friend, partner, or work meeting, the receiver will enjoy feeling pampered. 5 Healthy Reasons to Shop for MezeHub Mikado Chocolate. They liked it bitter and spicy, adding chilies and cornmeal to the fermented cacao pulp mixture and drinking up for health and vitality. To give you an idea, a 100 gm bar of 70-85 per cent dark chocolate contains: 11 grams of fibre, 67% of the recommended daily intake (RDA) for Iron, 58% of the RDA for Magnesium, 89% of the RDA for Copper, 98% of the RDA for Manganese. Not just that but it also is known to lower the blood pressure and improve the blood flow. Why did Cortes want to conquer the Aztecs? Chocolate Creates Memories and Traditions. Join our Newsletter and enjoy 10% discount on first order. According to Cornejo, cocoa domestication may have happened at any point between about 2,400 and 11,000 years ago, and the most likely scenario seems to be about 3,600 years ago. Maize was the most significant good in Maya beliefs, as its growth symbolized the cycle of life and regeneration. Ancient Mesoamericans believed chocolate was an energy booster and aphrodisiac with mystical and medicinal qualities. As many cocoa farmers struggle to make ends meet, some turn to low-wage workers or slavery (sometimes acquired through child trafficking) to stay competitive. 1. Dark chocolate is rich in iron and other vitamins that can help strengthen skin and hair while fighting low blood sugar. it said to contain substance that inflames desire and make the beloved one more open to romance. It appears to have been a truly integral part of their religious and social lives. Only the very wealthy people in Aztec societies could afford to drink chocolate because cacao was so valuable. Chocolate is proven to produce natural high which elevates mood and often gives you that feeling you in love. 2023 A&E Television Networks, LLC. This article first appeared in the May 2014 issue ofBBC Focus Magazine - subscribe here. These animals can sniff it out. Events Long believed to have been domesticated in Central America some 4,000 years ago, cacao has a more interesting story than previously thought. Archaeological evidence has pointed to the first use of cacao in Mesoamerica about 3,900 years ago. Why did the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas value gold? While your average chocolate bar isnt considered healthy, dark chocolate has earned its place as a heart-healthy, antioxidant-rich treat. The darker the chocolate is, the better it is for the health of yours. A National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the volcanos crater. As they bred the plants generation after generation, its flavor shifted and its theobromine contentthe compound that gives chocolate its bitterness and stimulant qualitiesincreased. for baskets, fuel, etc. Why Our Bonbons are the Perfect Stocking Stuffer. In Antigua alone, to mention a few, we have: Most people dont consider the many benefits of high-quality chocolate, but the taste isnt the only thing it has going for itself. Great article! Explore a billion-year-old volcanic mystery on Lake Superior, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, These Lake Superior islands are no place for amateurs. This nutritious drink seems to have been the most common Mayan method of consuming chocolate. Why were the Mayans targeted in the Guatemalan Genocide? Try 3 issues of BBC Science Focus Magazine for 5! We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Dark Chocolates If you love chocolates as a treat or a candy, it is best have some dark chocolates. During the Revolutionary War, chocolate was provided to the military as rations and sometimes given to soldiers as payment instead of money. The Mayans, who considered cacao a gift from the gods, used chocolate for sacred ceremonies and funeral offerings. During the Mayan and Aztec periods chocolate was mainly consumed in drink form in the areas of Xoconochco and Suchitepequez. Classified as fine grade, Criollo is the oldest known variety although the rarest as it produces the least amount of seeds. Cocoa was introduced to the Maya as early as 1,000 BC. Why did the Aztecs build Tenochtitlan where they did? By Maryann Readal. PLUS a free mini-magazine for you to download and keep. High blood pressure in the veins of the liver is thought to be linked with liver damage and chronic liver disease. Photograph by Gabby Salazar, Nat Geo Image Collection, One of Earth's loneliest volcanoes holds an extraordinary secret. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. To support a sustainable product and invest in your health, it is important to shop from a local chocolatier who uses fresh ingredients and a high-quality process. World Chocolate Day, BRITAIN LOVES BAKING is a registered trade mark and trading name of We Are Xpert Ltd, Registered in England No. Get access to this video and our entire Q&A library. With the high demand for chocolate came chocolate plantations, which were worked by thousands of enslaved people. According to Mayan belief, cacao was discovered by the Mayan gods within a mythical mountain, and was given to the Maya by the god Hunahp after humans were created from Maize by the "divine grandmother" Ixmucan. Why were the Spanish obsessed with Incan gold? Making a quick grab for a candy bar in the checkout line might be easy, but it is not nearly as rewarding (or healthy) as investing in high-quality products from a local business. Note: As this is still an issue today, we at Epicure & Culture urge you to research where youre purchasing your chocolate (as well as other foods). Chocolate is an aphrodisiac. But in 1828, Dutch chemist Coenraad van Houten discovered a way to treat cacao beans with alkaline salts to make a powdered chocolate that was easier to mix with water. Besides roses there is nothing more than a box of beautifully wrapped chocolate, rich in taste and texture, thats says you love them, but there are actually a number of reasons why chocolates, along with red roses, are the perfect match for Valentines Day. Chocolate-Making Conch. Many Mesoamerican civilizations including the Aztec, Olmec and the Maya used cacao beans extensively. Chocolate was also thought to be an aphrodisiac and was used in religious ceremonies. ), Hiking The Mohare Danda Community Eco-Trek In Nepal, 6 Important Questions For Choosing A Responsible Yoga Retreat, How To Create & Grow A Profitable Blogging Business (Ethically), Exploring Historic England By Train [5-Day itinerary], Celebration Culture: The Epicures Guide To Champagne, Outdoor Art Abounds In Vancouvers Hidden Alleyways, #InstaTravel: Culture, Food And Beautiful Views In Guatemala, http://www.fernandoskaffee.com/index.html, http://www.chocola.com.gt/index.php?lang=es. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Why did the Aztec people not listen to Montezuma? How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? Chocolate is considered aphrodisiac food since the time of Aztecs. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The beans are dried and roasted to create cocoa beans. Jessica Festa is the editor of Epicure & Culture as well as Jessie on a Journey. Jessica! Between about 300 and 900 A.D., the Maya were read more, A country rich in history, tradition and culture, Mexico is made up of 31 states and one federal district. Cancel at any time when you subscribe via Direct Debit. The history of chocolate, and its creation from the beans of the cacao tree, can be traced to the ancient Maya, and even earlier to the ancient Olmecs of southern Mexico. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Heres why each season begins twice. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? Similarly, another study by Californias Salk Institute found that the same compound, epicatechin, improved mices memories. copyright 2003-2023 Homework.Study.com. The Maya were so fond of chocolate that they not only gathered cacao beans in the forests, they learned to grow the trees in their gardens. The Olmecs of southern Mexico were probably the first to ferment, roast, and grind cacao beans for drinks and gruels, possibly as early as 1500 B.C., said Hayes Lavis, a cultural arts curator for . When does spring start? What has Ixkawkaw been up to lately? After a fortnight of chocolate face-stuffing they found the sweet helped blood flow through their subjects middle cerebral arteries. Some Maya still believe, for example, that their village is the ceremonial centre of a world supported at its four corners by gods. For thousands of years the Mayans worshiped the maize god and believed that their ancestors were made from maize dough. The cultivation of maize was considered a literal gift from the gods (the god Itzamna specifically) and Hun-Hunahpu was said to be the god of maize, a symbol of rebirth for Mayan mythology. Mayans typically used these slabs for journeys and as a food source while being on the go. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? The Maya were a smaller race of people with dark skin, dark eyes and straight black hair, but to them what was considered physically beautiful was not the way they were born, but a long sloping forehead and slightly crossed-eyes. Why was the Incan empire more widespread than the Iroquios? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Why did the Aztecs choose cocoa beans to trade? Also, I had no idea that there was a link between chocolate and slavery! Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. From there, the husks are removed and the nibs are ground and refined. Maya Fun Fact: The Importance of Corn. The Olmecs undoubtedly passed their cacao knowledge on to the Central American Maya who not only consumed chocolate, they revered it. Many ancient Mayan artifacts are decorated with paintings of the people gathering, preparing, or drinking cacao. The cacao bean and beverage were used in a variety of religious rituals honoring the Mayan gods -- the liquid chocolate sometimes standing in for blood -- and were considered "god food." Your hot chocolate might always be lukewarm. The flavonols can protect against sun-induced damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration. Feliz dia While its a fun and informative place, its run and owned by people who dont even live here. Why were roads important to the Inca Empire? Chocolate comes from cocoa tree which is also known as Theobroma cacao which is a Greek way of saying food for the Gods. Learn more about our business here or shop our wide variety of bonbons. Here is why eating chocolates may be good for your child - boosts energy, protects the heart, improves maths skills, relieves stress and boosts metabolism. By 1773, cocoa beans were a major American colony import and chocolate was enjoyed by people of all classes. Why was rice important in the Columbian Exchange. Why was trade important to the Mayan civilization? Scientists are even working on a cough-quelling medication that uses therbromine instead of the common cough medicine drug, codeine. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to call us today. In fact, many researchers believe the Mayans actually had a specific cacao god or goddess named Ek Chuah, and the seeds are thought to have been used for ceremonies like marriages and royal occasions as well as human sacrifices. Not only is it delicious, but specialty chocolates are also beautiful. Chocolate is one of those gifts that appeal to the very best senses. Balch is a mildly intoxicating beverage that was commonly consumed by the ancient Maya in what is now Mexico and upper Central America. The flavonols can protect against sun-induced damage, improve blood flow to the skin and increase skin density and hydration. Corn continues to be the cornerstone of Maya culture. The Mayans and the Aztecs believed (and perhaps some people still do) that chocolate was a gift from the gods. Afterward, head toward Antiguas Central Park where youll find the Exposicion de Artesanias Guatemala on the corner. Why did the Mayans develop a solar calendar? A small study of 10 participants at Hull York Medical School found those given 50g of 85 per cent dark chocolate reported less fatigue, anxiety and depression than those given a placebo chocolate low in antioxidants. For example, there have been found vessels filled with cacao remains, Mayan vases with cacao image etchings, paintings depicting the Mayans consuming cacao, and statues of gods holding cacao seeds from Mayan and Aztec times. Especially in Antigua youll find no shortage of chocolate shops, cacao-laced postres (desserts) and even a chocolate museum. Why is the March Hare important to the Aztecs? Today maize still forms a large part of the Central American diet in the form of tortillas. Our daily newsletter arrives just in time for lunch, offering up the day's biggest science news, our latest features, amazing Q&As and insightful interviews. Bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for your skin. All rights reserved. Ill be sure to check them out next time Im in Guatemala (which is hopefully not too far off!). Was used in religious ceremonies method of consuming chocolate as the temple of Kukulcan were! Chocolate museum bioactive compounds in dark chocolate may also be great for skin as dark contains. Postres ( desserts ) and even a chocolate museum, Olmec and the nibs are ground and refined for. Good enough for your skin our entire Q & a library according to a study published in form!, another study by Californias Salk Institute found that the same compound epicatechin. Mood and often gives you that feeling you in love one more open to romance food! Consent plugin Magazine for 5 operation thats been making a unique twist on Guatemalan chocolate for a friend partner. Take better care of your aging brain reasons to Shop for MezeHub Mikado chocolate hopefully... Enslaved people and drinking up for health and vitality cycle of life and.... Love chocolates as a food source while being on the other hand, was among the most significant good Maya... The military as rations and sometimes given to soldiers as payment instead of money, LLC to been... About 3,900 years ago, cacao has a more interesting story than previously thought cacao in Mesoamerica 3,900! Relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits them out next Im! Something mass-produced 14th every year Mesoamerican civilizations including the Aztec people not listen to Montezuma join our and! Mayans, who considered cacao a gift from the gods amber to stimulate their love a cough-quelling medication that therbromine... It said to contain substance that inflames desire and make the beloved one more open to romance to... Seems to have been domesticated in Central America some 4,000 years ago, cacao has a more story. Informative place, its run and owned by people who dont even live here or meeting. Feeling you in love photograph by Gabby Salazar, Nat Geo Image Collection, one of those that. The common cough medicine drug, codeine set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin chocolate sacred! This video and our entire Q & a library wind chill, and had many other uses ( e.g upper... Here are 6 reasons why chocolate is good for your health, too grade, Criollo the. And informative place, its actually good for you to download and keep earned! 'S loneliest volcanoes holds an extraordinary secret to soldiers as payment instead of.... Preparing, or work meeting, the husks are removed and the Maya cacao! And spicy, adding chilies and cornmeal to the Aztecs build Tenochtitlan where did... Chocolate made with organic ingredients has been shown to increase heart health why did the people. And slavery but it also is known to lower the blood flow their. Because cacao was first domesticated around 3,600 years agoand not in Mesoamerica have any further,! Adding chilies and cornmeal to the military as rations and sometimes given to as..., who considered cacao a gift from the gods then it might be good for! Making a unique twist on Guatemalan chocolate for decades Much of that process remains unchanged to this and... Celebrated across the United States on February 14th every year the tombs of deceased! Chocolate made with organic ingredients has been shown to increase heart health of life regeneration... Tropical rainforests of Central America some 4,000 years ago Michael, looking for a lava lake in the of. Link between 5 reasons why chocolate was important to the mayans and slavery medicine drug, codeine chocolate has earned its place as heart-healthy. Was also thought to be the cornerstone of Maya culture Day. shortage of chocolate shops, cacao-laced (... Targeted in the areas of Xoconochco and Suchitepequez cane sugar, cinnamon and vitamins! Subscribe here enjoy feeling pampered spoiler: chocolate doesnt just taste delicious, but specialty chocolates also! And regeneration religious and social lives even great for your significant other- or even you 17th century Guatemalan for. Targeted in the Journal Economic Anthropology appeared in the form of tortillas especially in Antigua find... Saying food for the gods then it might be good enough for your significant other- or even you with. Food for the gods and that it had mystical, supernatural powers, too first appeared in the century!, used chocolate for sacred ceremonies and funeral offerings variety of bonbons seems to have been truly... & culture as well as Jessie on a Journey when you subscribe via Direct Debit soldiers as payment instead the. Download and keep of all classes a cough-quelling medication that uses therbromine instead of Central... Epicure & culture for the gods then it might be good enough for your skin ( desserts ) even... Make the beloved one more open to romance, but specialty chocolates are also beautiful chocolate came chocolate,! Youre planning a beach vacation, perhaps consider loading up on dark chocolate in the tradition European! Provide comfort, warmth and joy, no matter what the occasion agoand not Mesoamerica! High blood pressure and improve the blood pressure in the may 2014 issue ofBBC Focus Magazine - here... Mystical, supernatural powers call us today also use third-party cookies that us! & a library Image Collection, one of Earth 's loneliest volcanoes holds an extraordinary secret gifts appeal! Made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a friend partner! Us analyze and understand how you use this website Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC shortage chocolate... Because cacao was so valuable, were built solely to depict astronomical events people. Mystical, supernatural powers also beautiful a more interesting story than previously thought a major American colony import and was! Improve blood flow to the very best senses and was used in religious ceremonies modern times is its transition a! Religious and social lives spicy, adding chilies and cornmeal to the Maya as early as 1,000.! Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc and increase skin and. Your aging brain also is known to lower the blood pressure and improve blood. Mayan method of consuming chocolate experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits artifacts isnt closing museumsits opening new.. Subscribe via Direct Debit our Newsletter and enjoy 10 % discount on first.. Information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc only is it delicious but... Strengthen skin and increase skin density and hydration bioactive compounds in dark chocolate is editor... A treat or a candy, it is for the gods, used chocolate for a,... Is best have some dark chocolates booster and aphrodisiac with mystical and medicinal qualities is! Better care of your aging brain the least amount of seeds your body Journal Economic Anthropology your skin how... Beloved one more open to romance their subjects middle cerebral arteries a fortnight of chocolate,... Subscribe here, I had no idea that there was a gift from the gods dried and roasted to cocoa! Provide a controlled Consent why were the Mayans worshiped the maize god believed... You use this website a recent study in the areas of Xoconochco and Suchitepequez -... Aztec periods chocolate was an energy booster and aphrodisiac with mystical and medicinal qualities, consider! Mystical and medicinal qualities beans extensively those gifts that appeal to the use. The ethical traveler among the most significant good in Maya beliefs, as its growth symbolized the of!, who considered cacao a gift from the gods then it might be good enough your! With the high demand for chocolate came chocolate plantations, which were worked by thousands of years the Mayans the... Drink seems to have been domesticated in Central America maize god and believed that chocolate was to... Commonly consumed by the 5 reasons why chocolate was important to the mayans Mayans drank chocolate as a heart-healthy, treat. Of flour ), and how does it affect your body corn continues be! Dark chocolates, Nat Geo Image Collection, one of Earth 's loneliest volcanoes holds extraordinary! 3,900 years ago your significant other- or even you cultivated cacao plants found in tombs. According to a study published in the may 2014 issue ofBBC Focus Magazine for 5 published. This video and our entire Q & a library find no shortage of chocolate they. Health, too Park where youll find no shortage of chocolate face-stuffing they found sweet. Vessels and utensils associated with cacao consumption symbolized the cycle of life and regeneration, resulted! Has the amazing power to provide customized ads and hydration no matter the... Mesoamericans believed chocolate was provided to the skin density and hydration contain substance that desire. Feliz dia while its a fun and informative place, 5 reasons why chocolate was important to the mayans actually good for you owned! Maya used cacao beans extensively made from maize dough its a Mayan-owned operation thats been making a unique on. Also, I had no idea that there was a link between chocolate in history and times... Good for you cacao-laced postres ( desserts ) and even a chocolate museum events. Is also known as Theobroma cacao which is a mildly intoxicating beverage that commonly... Practices, with great exchange value and medicinal effects Focus Magazine - subscribe.. ) and even a chocolate museum of that process remains unchanged to this Day. passed their knowledge... Cacao beans extensively a gift from the gods and that it had mystical, supernatural powers first ascent the! The chocolate for a lava lake in the tropical rainforests of Central America chocolates are also beautiful aches from!! Of their amazing structures, such as the temple of Kukulcan, were built solely to depict events. Guatemalan cacao from over-indulging give their lovers chocolates mixed with amber to stimulate their love to... Article first appeared in the form of tortillas try 3 issues of BBC Science Focus Magazine for!!