Monounsaturated fats help cell development and lower LDL cholesterol. Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fats are essential for heart health. Saturated fats should be limited, trans fats should be minimized
Mesoamerica spans from southern Mexico to Pacific coast of Central America. Region divided into lowlands (sea level to 1000m) and highlands (1000-2000m). Contains world's second largest barrier reef system and second-largest rainforest. Sierra Madre mountains form volcanic belt with 83 active and inactive volcanoes
Swiss-Belgian cocoa processor and chocolate manufacturer with 2.3 million tonnes annual production. Founded in 1996 through merger of French Cacao Barry and Belgian Callebaut. Currently based in Zürich, Switzerland with 61 production sites worldwide
Dark chocolate contains only cocoa butter, with minimum 35% cocoa solids. Bittersweet chocolate has 33% sugar, semi-sweet contains more. Milk chocolate uses milk, flavors vary by milk handling method. White chocolate contains cocoa butter, milk, and sugar
Ivory Coast has a population of 26.38 million people and is located in West Africa. The country's GDP reached USD61.35bn in 2020, ranking 77th globally. The economy grew 4.80% annually in 2020, with a GNI per capita of USD2280
Cacao originated in ancient Mesoamerica, where it was considered sacred food. Olmecs cultivated cacao between 1200-400 BCE, using it as currency. Spanish brought cacao to Europe in 1519, leading to global trade. Portuguese introduced cacao to West Africa in early 19th century