Dark Chocolates

Dark Chocolate is an Aphrodisiac

Recently dark chocolate is being pushed for its antioxidant properties. Chocolate is basically a product made from numerous raw and processed foods. The primary ingredient is the seed of the tropical cocoa tree. While white chocolate is a mixture of milk, cocoa butter and milk solids and does not contain cocoa solids, dark color chocolates are primarily made from milk and cocoa solids. The seeds of cocoa tree have an intensely bitter taste and usually fermented to bring out its flavor and sweetened for consumption. While the gift of chocolates is considered to be a romantic ritual, chocolate is also identified as an aphrodisiac. Most of its aphrodisiacal qualities are linked to the simple pleasure that it gives on consumption. The ancient Mayans made ‘bitter water’ from cocoa seeds and used it for enhancing capability of copulation and procreation. However, whether or not it is actually an aphrodisiac is an ongoing debate. The love qualities of chocolate may be simply due to our belief that it is a potently virile food. It tastes good and melts in the mouth because its melting temperature is just below body temperature. The melting sensation on its own is stimulating. That however does not explain it as an aphrodisiac.

Although chocolates are made from a mixture of number of things, primary dark chocolate ingredients include alkaloids that work as aphrodisiacs. These are theobromine and phenethylamine, which increase brain serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that induces feelings of pleasure and its level is known to increase for the first year of falling in love. Phenethylamine is related to amphetamines, which is a central nervous system stimulant that increases energy. It peaks when you are in love and surges into the brain at the time of an orgasm. Eaten in moderate quantities it can also lower blood pressure. Chocolate also increases testosterone levels in women. Cocoa is a powerful antioxidant that protects against damage from free radicals and oxidation. Independent studies also suggest that specially devised cocoa products including chocolates can work as cognitive enhancers and delay decline of brain function due to advanced age.

Dark chocolates come in a variety of flavors and contain a variety of substances besides the natural ingredients of cocoa seeds. Theobromine, the primary alkaloid has a mood elevating effect. Tryptophan, is an essential amino acid from which serotonin is formed.

Some dark chocolate benefits are also due to caffeine, which is present in small quantities. Its mild stimulating affect is however mostly due to theobromine. Since the maximum benefits are derived from cocoa, chocolates are also specially formulated for use as an aphrodisiac.

Regardless of the debate, chocolates are known to enhance the mood. Your personal experience is the best evidence. Settle down for a quiet evening with your partner with a box of dark chocolate and wine and see for yourself how it affects your mood.