Make Valentine’s Day sweeter with chocolate
- col-bobbie-randall
- February 6, 2025
- 452
Chocolate is a wonder with extraordinary historical and production value. It is nothing short of a marvel. Chocolate has been a luxury and a sweet delicacy of importance throughout the ages.
As we approach one of the major chocolate holidays of the year, we know Valentine’s Day gets only sweeter with chocolate. Chocolate has been considered a love potion, a magical romantic ingredient. Chocolate can do amazing things to our brains.
These chocolate facts are the best yet. Because consuming chocolate induces a feeling of love and comfort, it was once considered witchcraft. Chocolate houses were as popular as coffee houses are today.
The mere smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves, which triggers relaxation. In fact, research conducted in Belgium revealed that when the scent of chocolate was present in bookstores, the sales of books increased, especially romance novels.
Chocolate contains tryptophan, phenylethylamine and theobromine, which contribute to boosting the hormones, serotonin and endorphin. A rise in these compounds in the body produces a sense of happiness and well-being.
A generalized euphoria can be attained by eating or drinking chocolate. Chocolate also can help boost a passionate drive. So a sweet chocolate treat, especially on Valentine’s Day, really can make you happier.
Cacoa (cuh-COW) beans were first recognized and valued by the Aztecs in Central America. They called chocolate a divine drink and considered the bitter bean of such value that it was used as money. They could drink their beans mixed with spices or spend them.
It was made popular by Spanish explorers who brought it to Spain. Initially, European women were banned from consuming it. Benjamin Franklin even sold the chocolate drink in his print shop.
In 1847 a company called J.S. Fry and Sons of England added extra cacao butter to liquid chocolate, turning it solid and creating the first mass-produced chocolate bars. Over the next several decades, chocolate makers added milk powder and sugar to their recipes to create milk chocolate.
It is estimated people eat on average 24 pounds of chocolate every year. This is the same as about three bars a week or 156 bars every year. Some eat more; some eat less. Worldwide, 7.5 million tons of chocolate are eaten every year.
A study carried out at the Columbia University Medical Center suggests chocolate can improve memory. Nochocophobia is the name of the fear of running out of chocolate to eat. If chocolate improves memory, the best way to avoid nochocophobia is to remember to eat chocolate.
This magical concoction of over 300 chemical compounds has been recognized as having therapeutic effects. The antioxidant power found in the cacao bean is more complex and superior to other foods. In fact, it is four times more powerful than antioxidants in tea, supporting the immune system and cardiovascular health.
The glossy shine, snap, aroma, texture and taste of the chocolate can show the quality and if it was stored correctly. Chocolate is generally wrapped and protected from light. It is stored in a dark place with the appropriate temperature and humidity. Don’t store it. Eat it.
Happy Valentine’s Day. Share some chocolate with your sweetheart and make the moment even sweeter.
Bobbie Randall is a registered, licensed dietitian. Email her at bobbierandallrd@gmail.com.