Unwrapping the Story of Easter: A Sweet Solution for Reducing Chocolate Egg Overload

 

Do you know Cadbury makes over 500 million chocolate Easter eggs annually? The UK alone consumes two-thirds of this figure? Cadbury claims that every year, more than 80 million chocolate Easter eggs are sold, and this number increases significantly every year as Easter rolls around.

 

Eating chocolate eggs is one of the main rituals of Easter, as beloved as giving flowers and hot cross buns. However, have you ever tried to explore the history and origin of Easter eggs?

 

So, let's discover the fascinating history of eating Easter eggs in more depth!

 

The Origin of Easter Eggs

 

Although eating chocolate Easter eggs is comparatively a new tradition, the origin of Easter eggs dates back a very long way. In ancient cultures, eggs were the representation of the creation of the world. In some mythologies, they symbolised renewal, rebirth, or life.

 

Easter is one of the most sacred feasts for Christian communities, and eggs have a profound significance for early Christians. It is believed that the arrival of spring after the bleak winter brings new life to everything, and eggs are the physical representation of this philosophy.

 

As far as history knows, Christian children used to stain eggs red in Mesopotamia to reflect the blood of Christ. Also eggs that were coloured green and yellow were sold in the local markets. In Syria and Greece, exchanging crimson eggs as gifts was also a common practice.

 

Effects of Eating Too Much Easter Chocolate Eggs

 

Easter is the time when many people toss the moderation out of the window and binge-eat chocolate eggs and other sweet treats. One chunk of Easter egg can lead to another and eventually, the entire piece will mysteriously disappear

 

Easter chocolate eggs are delicious treats that can deliver specific health benefits when consumed in moderation. For example, they can improve your heart health and be an astonishing mood booster.

 

 Additionally, various studies found that healthy adults who consume 10 grams of dark chocolate are likelier to see improvements in their mood due to the prebiotic effects of cocoa that promote the growth of good gut bacteria.

 

So, does that basically mean chocolate Easter eggs are good for you? Or would you not experience any side effects if you overeat Easter eggs? Surprisingly, one medium-sized chocolate Easter egg contains 23 spoons of sugar, which is more than enough even for adults.

 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), adults should consume less than six teaspoons of sugar daily. That means by eating one medium chocolate Easter egg, you will consume nearly four times your recommended sugar intake!

 

Moderation is the key to staying healthy and happier. Below are the affects of excess Easter Eggs:

 

Overweight & Obesity

 

As of 2022, 1 in 8 individuals in the world are living with obesity. The World Obesity Federation also predicts that by the end of 2030, 1 in 7 men and 1 in 5 women will have obesity. Another report by the World Health Organisation indicates that 4 million people in the world will die each year as a result of obesity.

 

This data-driven information proves that overweight/obesity has become a chronic complex disease around the globe. There are a lot of factors that can trigger this condition, and consuming too much sugar  is one of them.

 

Becoming overweight/obese might result in a greater Body Mass Index (BMI). Researchers also believe that eating 100g of Easter eggs can result in weight gain due to its high fat and sugar content.

 

High Blood Pressure

 

Too much sugar intake does not do many favors in terms of heart health. When the brain detects the high levels of sugar in the bloodstream, it thinks the body is under attack. So, the mind releases a stress hormone called cortisol along with epinephrine. Both these hormones trigger the heart to beat faster than usual and more forcefully. This eventually results in high blood pressure. Also, palpitations might occur in individuals with weak heart health.

 

Headache & Irritability

 

Eating multiple Easter eggs in one sitting can trigger the brain to react in several ways. Initially, the stimulants found in chocolate eggs are supposed to connect with the opioid centers of the brain and release dopamine. This hormone tends to boost mood and induce feelings of joy and pleasure.

 

The longevity of these results depends on the quantity of dopamine released in your body. For instance, if you consume about 100 grams of Easter chocolate egg, pleasant feelings might dissipate after an hour.

 

After this, there is a higher chance to experience a sugar crash. In this condition, blood sugar level drops dramatically after being so high for some period, which can cause headaches and irritability.

Tips to Reduce the Amount of Chocolate Easter Eggs

 

While I am not suggesting avoiding chocolate eggs this Easter all, try to indulge mindfully. Below are some hints and tips to watch the waistline during the Easter festive period:

 

Prepare Healthy Snacks

 

Instead of spending hundreds on commercial sugar-laden chocolate eggs, why not try some quality raw options this Easter? When you have healthy snacking options in your pantry, you are sure to be less inclined to binge on Easter eggs. For instance, you can stock apples with nut butter, fruit nuts, or chocolate with a cocoa content of around 70%.

 

Limit Easter Chocolate Eggs in the House

 

Out of mind and out of sight are usually the easiest ways to avoid overconsumption of chocolate Easter eggs. However, it is advised to cut down the number of chocolate eggs for the children, replacing these with healthier alternatives like soft toy bunnies or Easter craft supplies.

 

Address the Root Craving

 

Before reaching for another chocolate Easter egg, take a moment to understand what the body is really asking for. Make sure to identify if there is a craving for sugar due to stress or if the reason is something else.

 

Several studies found that an imbalanced diet can cause cravings for sugary foods like chocolate Easter eggs. Though the aim always is a balanced diet, be mindful about what is being added in the daily routine, particularly over the Easter period.

 

For instance, the body needs proteins and healthy fats to keep the sugar levels stable. This is best if can  nuts, avocados, salmon, beans, and lean meat, are included in the meal plan, to make us feel fuller.