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Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke / By the wise and Moderate use whereof, Health is preserved, Sicknesse Diverted, and Cured, especially the Plague of the Guts; vulgarly called The New Disease cover

Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke / By the wise and Moderate use whereof, Health is preserved, Sicknesse Diverted, and Cured, especially the Plague of the Guts; vulgarly called The New Disease

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About This Book

A medical and culinary treatise that presents a cacao-based beverage as both a pleasurable drink and a panacea, describing its plant origin, ingredients, and methods of preparation alongside recipes and practical directions. The text catalogs claimed health effects — digestive aid, respiratory remedies, treatments for fluxes and internal ailments, stimulation of fertility, assistance in childbirth, cosmetic benefits, and preservation of general vigour — supported by endorsements, prefaces, and a translator's encomium. It combines empirical observations, therapeutic advice, dosage guidance, and social commentary on consumption habits, aiming to introduce the imported confection into domestic practice and to instruct readers in its uses and procurement.

About the Author

de Ledesma, Antonio Colmenero portrait

Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma

Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma was a Spanish author known for his work on the health benefits of chocolate. His notable book, "Chocolate: or, An Indian Drinke," explores the medicinal properties of chocolate, advocating for its use in promoting health and curing ailments, particularly digestive issues. De Ledesma's writings reflect the early European fascination with chocolate, which was introduced from the Americas. His contributions provide insight into the cultural and culinary history of chocolate in the 17th century, highlighting its significance beyond mere indulgence.

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