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As we approach the season of love, there’s one treat that undoubtedly reigns supreme – chocolate. From gorgeous chocolate bonbons to decadent, molten cakes, chocolate has long prided itself as the traditional gift of Valentine’s Day. But have you ever stopped and wondered why? Is it because of its sweet taste, its rich texture, or is there something more that adds to chocolate’s allure? Well, it’s time to unwrap the truth. This tale of romance intertwines itself around the concept of chocolate as an aphrodisiac!
The notion that chocolate is an aphrodisiac dates back to the ancient Mayan times, where it was served as a drink at wedding ceremonies to bless the couple’s union with fertility. The popular Latin lover, Casanova, is known to have used chocolate to ignite passion.
What’s more, modern science supports the idea of chocolate as an aphrodisiac. Chocolate contains a variety of interesting and important chemicals, including these two – phenylethylamine (PEA) and tryptophan. PEA is a stimulant that is released in the brain when we are in love and during exciting and fun activities. It elicits feelings of attraction, excitement, giddiness, and helps generate a sense of well-being and happiness. Tryptophan, on the other hand, is a building block of serotonin, a brain chemical involved in sexual arousal. Several other substances also add to chocolate’s purported effects – for example, theobromine can increase heart rate, and caffeine is well known to help you ‘wake-up’. However, some research suggests that some of these chemicals are broken down during digestion. Hence, it may instead be the pleasurable experience of eating chocolate that releases endorphins and ‘happy feelings’ more than the chemical content of the chocolate itself. Hence, chocolate’s aphrodisiac qualities may be more psychological and not physiological.
Now, you might be thinking, “That sounds great, but what types of chocolate should I choose?” The answer lies in quality over quantity. Opting for dark chocolate is wise as it has the highest concentration of PEA and flavanols (or antioxidants). Dark chocolates that are high in cacao (70-90%) are recommended. They are not only more potent in stimulating romantic feelings but also bundle the benefits of antioxidants.
However, let’s not forget the importance of aesthetics, especially on a day as special as Valentine’s Day. Imagine a beautifully wrapped box of handmade CBD chocolate bonbons. This luxurious presentation will add an extra layer of love and indulgence to your gift, making it even more appealing.
And why limit ourselves to just receiving chocolates? Making chocolate together as a couple can be an incredibly fun and intimate bonding experience. You can experiment with various flavors, shapes, or add-ins, embedding your personalized touches to these little tokens of love. The process itself can feel as sweet and savory as the end result!
So this Valentine’s Day, when you’re presenting that special someone with a box of finely crafted chocolates, take a moment to appreciate the history, the science, and the passion that is neatly tucked into each enticing piece. You’re not just gifting a sweet treat – you’re offering a taste of love, passion, and a possible aphrodisiac that could elevate the romance in your relationship.
To wrap up, let’s remember what Charles M. Schulz, the cartoonist of Peanuts, wrote: “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” This V-day – let’s have both. So here’s to love, and here’s to chocolate – the tasty aphrodisiac for your Valentine’s Day celebration!
