Friday, February 27, 2009

Chocolates: More than Indulgence for Valentine's Day

By Art Barron

Chocolate is a very powerful entity. There's so much life-changing energy packed into a small piece, bon-bon, or bar. The movie, Chocolat, showed how a whole village was transformed by this sweet treat. Chocolate can save a failing relationship, make an ordinary night a time for seduction and romance, or even make that grumpy someone in your life smile.

Armed with chocolate, you can literally make your partner melt in your arms, if you know what you're doing. That's why chocolate is the perfect Valentine's Day gift.

But have you ever wondered why? What does chocolate have that causes it to become so sought-after and so special?

Chocolate has always been symbolic for romance. Chocolate communicates attraction, appreciation and sincere affection. In fact, ancient cultures like the Aztecs considered chocolates as a love potion, and this is a belief that even us in this day and age subscribe to, with but few variations. This is evidenced by the way chocolate remained part of many courting rituals; even across borders and across the decades.

In the old days, the process of making chocolates from cacao seeds was tedious, and the product - chocolate - was worth offering to gods in rituals. Applying that gesture to these modern times may not be as inconvenient as it was before, but the thought of being given this exquisite luxury never fails to bring joy and show value to the recipient.

Chocolate seduces. Let's get off the pretenses here, and talk the nitty-gritty! Valentine's Day is perfect for that "special" time with your mate, and chocolate is said to be the best aphrodisiac.

Chocolate is so tempting and delicious. It's something you know you shouldn't indulge in, but can't help it. The rich taste, the sweet explosion on your tongue, and that little guilty feeling of indulgence is the perfect mood-setter for any couple who really wants to get into the spirit of the occasion.

Interestingly, the connection between sex and chocolate has already been proven scientifically. Studies show that our brains produce the same chemical euphoria-inducing when having sex as when we're eating chocolate. This means that chocolate is really designed to give us that happy, romantic and pleasurable feeling. A perfect mood setter!

Chocolate is meant to be shared by lovers. Valentines Day is also about making an emotional connection; it would be a shame if you don't take advantage of the opportunities chocolate provides to bond with your partner.

There are so many things you can do with your partner that involves chocolate. Take a trip to a specialty shop and pick out chocolates for each other. Wouldn't it be fun to know which ones appeal to your partner and which ones don't? Wouldn't if be even more interesting to know why she likes certain kinds?

Why not feed each other little, bite-sized pieces of chocolate? To make your selection extra special, you can request a specific chocolate recipe. Chocolates can get messy, so use your imagination!

Chocolate is good for you. Since the overall message of Valentine's is love, then chocolate is the best messenger for this particular message!

Plenty of myths abound regarding the ill effects of chocolates to one's health. Too much sugar, too much carbs, tooth decay waiting to happen. But the fact is, chocolate is rich in antioxidants that prevent heart disease and manage blood pressure. Dark chocolate in particular has been known to significantly lessen your bad cholesterol. You know what they say; a healthy heart makes a healthy relationship.

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