The foods that we eat are not just for sustenance. If we look closely, I am sure that we can learn amazing things about the food around us.
The Pound Cake
Ever wonder why it is called the pound cake? It actually gained its name during the 1700s and it is because of the recipe that they use when making it. The recipe calls for "one pound each of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs."
Eat anything red and you're probably eating bugs
The most common red dye used in foods usually comes from red bugs such as cochineal.
Honey can last forever
Some archeologist are able to find "completely edible pots of honey" in Egyptian tombs. Honey contains chemicals that can aid in its preservation and it doesn't contain any water. The combination of the two creates an environment ideal for honey to be preserved.
Red Wine Can Give you Headaches
If after sipping red wine, you suddenly experience a headache - it can only mean one thing. You are allergic to it. Red wine contains high level of histamine and it is possible that you lack the enzyme needed to process histamine.
Chocolates as an Aphrodisiac
At least now we know where the tradition of giving chocolates to your loved ones came from. Chocolates contain theobromine. This chemical can lead to increase heart rate and creates a sensual feeling every time that you eat chocolates.
Why Licorice Can Cause Someone to Die
If you consider licorice as one of your favorite snack, please be careful. According to FDA, consuming more than two ounces of black licorice, in the span of two weeks, can cause heart arrhythmias, especially for people age 40 and above. The chemical responsible for the taste and flavor of licorice, glycyrrhizin, can cause changes in the body - potassium levels will go down which will lead to low blood pressure, edema, and eventually, congestive heart failure.
