Popular sweet offers several benefits
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 02/09/2010
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What makes chocolate so sexy? One professor believes chocolate and love are a match made in heaven.
While the exact scientific reasoning for this association remains mysterious to Jim Daniel, associate professor in the department of foods and nutrition, he believes chocolate can “induce a state of well-being and happiness and reduce stress.”
“When combined with the presence of a ‘significant other’ the effect seems to be very powerful,” Daniel said.
For the Aztecs, chocolate was the ancient version of Viagra, as it was reported to increase sexual satisfaction and stimulate passion between romantic partners. Today, chocolate’s reputation is no different, as it remains the responsive love language between sweethearts: nothing says ‘I love you’ like a box of gourmet chocolates. When anything from butterflies to an active amygdala, a broken heart or disappointment calls, chocolate responds with whatever percent cocoa one can handle.
Chocolate Zoom Magazine reveals there’s a little more chemistry between chocolate and romance than associative learning has conveyed. Many chemicals that naturally appear in the body, such as serotonin, phenethylamine, anandamide, and xanthine, are all also found in chocolate. These chemicals function to relax and increase a sense of happiness; release endorphins; increase alertness, sexual arousal, and satisfaction for cravings; and decrease pain reception.
To furthermore prove that chocolate is “good for the heart,” chocolate contains “phenolics,” or antioxidants, which help decrease the risk for heart disease. That’s right: An ounce and a half of dark chocolate a day keeps the doctor away.
Whether it’s to sweeten up the sweetie, to earn some “brownie” points or to solve world peace one stress level at a time, the chemistry of chocolate isn’t just good for the sweet tooth – it’s good for you and your sweetie, too.