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Chemists: Big People in a Big World! |
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Chocolate is one of man�s greatest discoveries. And what about chocolate that comes wrapped in an attractive silver foil and named after a human delight? Perfection is what it is called. Hershey Kisses are perfection. They are small and easy to transport. They taste like heaven. But how often do you, when you are melting a little divine kiss in your mouth, think about the genius chemistry behind them?
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The main ingredient in a Hershey Kiss is cocoa. Cocoa is a cream-colored bean that comes from the Theobroma cacao. They grow in small pods and are generally found in tropical regions.
Aztecs and Mayans discovered and enjoyed chocolate long before Europeans. In South America, cocoa beans were often used as currency. The Mesoamerican Indians made drinks from crushed cocoa beans and water mixed with flavorings such as chili peppers. This drink was saved for rulers and special ceremonies.
When chocolate was discovered by Europeans, its popularity spread quickly and the drink was a luxury for only the rich. Today, it can be enjoyed by millions. |
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Theobromine, a caffeine relative in chocolate, is an alkaloid molecule. It belongs to a group called methylxanthines, which are found naturally in sixty different species of plant.
Theobromine has many of the same effects as caffeine on humans, but on a smaller scale. Theobromine is a stimulant, and is mildy diuretic. |
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Next Page -> |
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Caffeine |
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