Today is National Chocolate Milk Day. Who doesn't love slurping on chocolate milk with a splash of ice cream and whipped cream (with a cherry on top)? So, this morning add some Nesquik in that glass with a dollop of Gookie Dough, or even better, enjoy a bowl of Coco- Pops because that is definitely a win-win situation!

(Image credit: Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts) 

The history of chocolate milk 

According to the Natural History Museum in the UK, the credit goes to Sir Hans Sloane who was an Irish botanist. Sloane spent some time in Jamaica in the early 1700's where local people gave him cocoa to drink. However, Sloane found that it made him feel sick but when mixing it with milk, it was a lot better. When Sloane returned to England, he bought the mixture with him and for many years, it was sold as a medicine (wow, how medicine tastes have changed). 

However, the accuracy of this is a little hit and miss. Apparently, Jamaicans were brewing hot beverages from shavings of freshly harvested cacao, boiled with milk and cinnamon as far back as 1494. Chocolate has been known to humans as far back as 350 B.C. It's hard to believe that Sloane was the first to think of this. 

Fast forward a little 

(Image credit: BBC Good Food) 

Until the 1820's, drinking chocolate was still fairly uncommon and no one knew how to produce a smooth texture that was a liquid. In 1828 the Van Houten company in Amsterdam invented the cocoa pressing method which produced a chocolate powder that can dissolve in liquid. 

The benefits 

Chocolate milk has some great properties along with being super delicious. In 2006, the dairy industry did a study and discovered that it helps athletes with muscle recovery and provides nine essential nutrients. Chocolate milk also contains fluid and electrolytes for hydration and the carbohydrates replenish energy stores for the next practice. chocolate in the milk boosts the carbohydrate supplied to the muscles and liver and guess what is an affordable treat which is beneficial to the body. Now you don't need to feel guilty!

Happy National Chocolate Milk Day, Gookie Monsters!!

We were all encouraged to eat our food as a kid (and now we get encouraged to stop eating it!). Some of us were most likely the fussiest of eaters and weren't about the vegetable life. Our parents had to do something to ensure we ate, the best option? Lying. Here are a few food myths you were told, explained. 

(Image credit: The Urban List) 

Carrots will help you see in the dark

It all seems a bit random but surprisingly, we did believe it at one point. During World War 2, propaganda stated that the RAF were successfully shooting planes because they were eating carrots. The reality? The RAF had introduced radar technologies to their planes which helped them. However, the propaganda was so persuasive that the consumption of carrots rose dramatically.  In fact, carrots do contain beta-carotene and vitamin A which reduces cataracts and macular degeneration. Keep munching away, you rabbits (but still go to the opticians regularly)! 

Drinking milk makes your bones big and strong

Milk obviously contains calcium and strengthens bones are teeth. However, milk contains sugar and is associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer, bone loss and muscle loss which seems to be a bit of a contradiction. It is possible, as an adult, to consume too much milk which is why it's important to limit yourself to about one glass per day at the most. Calcium comes from leafy green vegetables and salmon too! 

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day 

As a kid, I hated breakfast and just wanted to go back to sleep! It was essential to get that cereal down your neck no matter what, but why? Well, breakfast is important for overall health and those who eat breakfast are more likely to be at a healthy weight compared to those who skip it. Does that mean as long as you eat Gookie Dough for breakfast, everything will be a-okay? Maybe! As long as your breakfast is well balanced and full of fibre, you're good to go. 

 Eat until you've cleaned your plate

Sometimes, this was impossible and you'd have to put up with your Mum giving you the face of disappointment. However, this habit can lead to overeating. Parents mainly strive for you to eat all of your 'trees' but when you use a clean plate to signal no more eating, it can be harmful. For example, it can lead to continuous overeating which leads to weight gain. 

Technically, our parents were hypocrites for lying to us. What myths were you told as a child? Let us know in the comments below!