Looking for a love potion to entice your Valentine? Give the dark and creamy indulgence that drives both sexes wild — CHOCOLATE. Bitter-sweet, semi-sweet, dark, milk and white, oh my.
This ancient confection was originally and rightfully named “Theobroma Cacao” meaning “food of the gods.” Did the gods know these beans would seduce the world?
As early as 250 B.C. the Aztec emperor Monteczuma drank 50 goblets of chocolate a day to enhance his sexual dexterity needed for his 600 plus wives.
Following in his footsteps, Casanova used chocolate with champagne to seduce ladies. Likewise, Louis XV’s lover, Madame du Barry, a believed nymphomaniac, encouraged her partners to drink chocolate for them to keep up.
Were these legendary lovers right? Is chocolate an aphrodisiac? In a way, yes.
Chocolate is a psychoactive food. It contains more than 300 known chemicals which scientists are continually studying. Specifically, the chemicals phenyl ethylamine (PEA) and serotonin are known to produce feelings of euphoria. When taken in unusually high dosages, phenyl ethylamine can cause the same effects as amphetamine. The chocolate- produced sensations are similar to those produced by passion, love and, for you lonely Valentines, lust.
Human fascination with chocolate is especially apparent in women. The Chocolate Manufacturers Association found 52 percent of women claimed eating chocolate makes them happy.
According to the Mori survey commissioned by Cadbury’s Dairy Milk, one out of two British women prefer a bit of chocolate to a bit of sex.
I love chocolate. Am I a chocoholic? Chocolate is not addictive.
In 1994, “Physiology and Behavior” researchers substituted real chocolate with cocoa-filled capsules containing all of the same compounds. The capsules did not satisfy cravings the way actual chocolate did. The sensation of eating the creamy substance is what satisfies a chocolate lover’s urges.
The average American consumes roughly 11.5 pounds per year. But, the typical Swiss leads with 21 pounds each year.
All of this chocolate intake is not such a bad thing. A recent study funded by none other than the Mars Company discovered flavonoids in chocolate. Flavonoids are antioxidants which target the bad cholesterol in our arteries. Another study of 8,000 male Harvard graduates found chocaholics live longer than abstainers.
Delving into the guilt-free piece of chocolate once a week may be helpful. Try eating dark or rich chocolates. These will satisfy your sweet tooth with smaller amounts. And, stay away from added sweet fillings, such as caramel.
Chocolate often mistakenly gets a bad reputation.
Chocolate does not cause cavities — poor dental hygiene does.
Chocolate does not cause obesity — overeating does.
Chocolate and/or sugar do not make children hyper — human nature does.
Chocolate does not cause acne — hormones and oil do.
Chocolate does not cause headaches. But, when mixed with cheese, it may.
In 300 A.D., cave drawings depicted cocoa beans. In 1513, slaves were exchanged for them. In 1609, the first book was dedicated to chocolate.
Our love for chocolate is bittersweet. I have no doubt this delightful treat will continue to tantalize and mystify the world until the last cacao tree falls. Whether you have a Valentine or not, a piece of chocolate might be all the gift you need.