Category "Presentation", 8. – 10. grade
Kamelia Vuncheva, 9th grade[1],
Maria-Sara Mandil, 9th grade[1]
Supervisor: Mariyana Georgieva
- “Dimcho Debelyanov” Secondary School – Sofia (Bulgaria)
https://doi.org/10.53656/nat2025-3.20
Abstract. Chocolate has an ancient history – from the cocoa beans of the Mayans and Aztecs to today’s global industry. In this study, we examined its composition, focusing on theobromine and caffeine – alkaloids with an effect on the nervous system. We conducted experiments to demonstrate the differences in the content of sugars and fats in dark, milk and white chocolate. We also examined the effects of chocolate’s ingredients on the human body – highlighting both the positive effects and the potential risks of excessive use. We emphasized the importance of choosing high-quality chocolate with clearly labeled ingredients, lower sugar content, no trans fats, and – of course – moderate consumption for a healthy lifestyle. Chocolate is not only a source of pleasure, but also part of the modern chemical and food industry with important social and economic importance. It is more than just taste — it is also science, from the molecular structure of its ingredients to their interactions within the human body.
Keywords: chocolate; chemistry; composition; influence; moderation
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