Do you religiously strive for your “moment of ecstasy” by indulging in delicacy of chocolate? Do you know why this luscious, smooth, almost irreplaceable food make you feel sooooo good? You may find that chocolate is not as evil as we thought. Used throughout history as a tonic, it has a number of healthful compounds that might improve mood, fight fatigue, and even elevate your sex life.
Origins of chocolate can be traced back over one thousand years ago to the Mexican cacao tree Theobroma Cacao. The Mayans, who lived in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and Central America as long ago as 600 A.D., were the first humans to enjoy the wonders of cocoa beans.
They took pleasure in “food of the gods” by drinking mixture of roasted cocoa beans, water, and spices. Various preparations of cocoa were utilized by Incas, Aztecs, and Mayas throughout centuries. Aphrodisiac quality was considered not the only attribute of cocoa beans. Aztecs used beans as a form of currency as well.
But the present version of chocolate came out only in 1828, when a Dutch food chemist perfected the technique of mixing cocoa powder with cocoa butter so it would melt in your mouth. In 1878, the Swiss added milk to make our modern milk chocolate.
Statistics easily establish chocolate as one of the most craved foods in the United States. On average, each American consumes 11.7 pounds of chocolate per year, with more than 10 percent of this consumption occurring on Valentine’s Day. Americans will spend an estimated $800 million on 36 million boxes of chocolate this year.
Is there any connection between Valentine’s day and a box of chocolates? Why do we associate chocolate with feelings of love? Putting the cultural history aside, here is a scientific explanation.
The sugar in chocolate sparks the release of a nerve chemical called serotonin and might lower another nerve chemical called NPY; the end result is a sense of well-being. The sweet taste also releases endorphins in the brain, giving us an immediate euphoric rush. The fat in chocolate enhances flavor and aroma and satisfies another nerve chemical called galanin, thus curbing our cravings for fat.
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, compounds that work as an energy pick-me-up. Several amino acids (phenylethylamine, or PEA, tryptophan, tyrosine) stimulate the nervous system, increase blood pressure and heart rate, enhancing pleasurable “love” feelings. Chocolate also contains anandamide that mimics the effects of marijuana and boosts the pleasure you get when you eat chocolate. Add to the list the natural calming elements (valeric and glutamic acid) and you’re craving an incredibly delicious, mellow, non-jittery mood and energy boost.
So, does a chocolate bar a day keep a doctor away? Maybe not. As if you needed any reason to get your chocolate fix, here are a few facts to justify the melt in your mouth.
- ” Chocolate is a surprising source of copper which we need for healthy bone formation and wound healing.
- ” Chocolate contains magnesium, which helps with calcium absorption for good bone health and proper muscle function for normal heart rhythm.
- ” Chocolate decreases activation of platelets, which are linked to heart attacks and stroke.
- ” Chocolate has a decent amount of antioxidants. These natural chemicals help protect against free radicals which may contribute to cancer and heart disease.
- ” Chocolate has shown to increase levels of “good” (HDL) cholesterol.
- ” Chocolate’s main ingredient cocoa has an anti-inflammatory effect that lowers the risk of blood clots which can cause heart disease
Before you run out to stock up on chocolate bars, I have to remind you that everything is good in moderation. Chocolate is good, and it’s good for you, but it is not faultless. Chocolate can increase stomach acid reflux and irritable bowel symptoms and cause allergic reactions, skin outbreaks, weight gain, dental cavities, and migraine in some people.
Of course, exercise is still the best mood enhancer I know of, and you shouldn’t put chocolate at the bottom of your daily food pyramid. But consuming sensible amounts of this mouth-watering pleaser is not such a big deal after all. I hope you have a very happy Valentine’s Day filled with love and pleasure!
Nutrient Information of Milk Chocolate
| Nutrient | Units | Value per 100 grams | 1 bar (1.55oz) 44.00g |
| Energy | kcal | 513.00 | 225.72 |
| Energy | kj | 2146.000 | 994.24 |
| Protein | g | 6.90 | 3.04 |
| Total lipid (fat) | g | 30.70 | 13.51 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | g | 59.20 | 26.05 |
| Fiber, total dietary | g | 3.40 | 1.50 |
| Sugars, total | g | 51.50 | 22.660 |
| Calcium, Ca | mg | 191.00 | 84.04 |
| Iron, Fe | mg | 1.39 | 0.61 |
| Magnesium, Mg | mg | 60.00 | 26.40 |
| Phosphorus, P | mg | 216.00 | 95.04 |
| Potassium, K | mg | 385.00 | 169.40 |
| Sodium, Na | mg | 82.00 | 36.08 |
| Zinc, Zn | mg | 1.38 | 0.61 |
| Copper, Cu | mg | 0.39 | 0.17 |
| Manganese,Mn | mg | 0.30 | 26.4 |
| Selenium, Se | mcg | 3.90 | 1.72 |
| Vitamin C, ascorbic acid | mg | 0.40 | 0.18 |
| Thiamin | mg | 0.08 | 0.04 |
| Riboflavin | mg | 0.30 | 0.13 |
| Niacin | mg | 0.32 | 0.14 |
| Panrothenic acid | mg | 0.42 | 0.19 |
| Vitamin B-6 | mg | 0.04 | 0.12 |
| Folate | mcg | 80 | 3.52 |
| Vitamin B-12 | mcg | 0.39 | 0.17 |
| Vitamin A, IU | IU | 182.00 | 81.40 |
| Vitamin A, RE | mcg_RE | 55.00 | 24.20 |
| Vitamin E | mg_ATE | 1.24 | 0.55 |
| Fatty acids, saturated | g | 18.48 | 8.13 |
| Fatty acids, monounsaturated | g | 9.59 | 4.39 |
| Fatty acids, polyunsaturated | g | 1.06 | 0.47 |
| Cholesterol | mg | 22.00 | 9.68 |
| Caffeine | mg | 26.00 | 11.44 |
| Theobromine | mg | 169.00 | 74.36 |
USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 13 (Novemb
