CHOCOLATE
THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE
No better time than Valentine’s Day to review why chocolate is the language of love. Chocolate has been considered an aphrodisiac since it’s early use by the Mayans and Aztecs. While there might not be any “science” to confirm this long held belief, I bet there are many romantics out there who have used chocolate to express their love. So, let’s dive right in and take a closer look as to why chocolate has been considered a libido booster since its early discovery, if there is any truth to the myth, and the health benefits of chocolate overall.
Chocolate as an Aphrodisiac
The consumption of chocolate, mainly as a drink, was discovered in Mesoamerica as early as 450 BC where the cacao tree is native. According to history.com, “Ancient Mesoamericans believed chocolate was an energy booster and aphrodisiac with mystical and medicinal qualities.” Bernal Díaz observed that the 16th-century Aztec ruler Moctezuma II drank 50 cups of chocolate a day out of a golden goblet to increase his libido.
As chocolate made its way from The New World to The Old World, chocolate, and the myth of it being a sexual stimulant, spread throughout Europe. In Spain, Italy, France, and Austria, chocolate became popular with the elite classes and in turn became a means of seduction. In Antonio Colmenero de Ledesma’s treatise on chocolate (1631), he reported that drinking chocolate incited lovemaking, led to conception in women, and facilitated delivery.
In 1660s London, Dr. Henry Stubbe wrote in The Indian Nectar, or, A Discourse Concerning Chocolata that chocolate inclines “a man to Venery [sexual indulgence] beyond the natural [postlapsarian] disposition.” Britain was desperate for a wonder drug and Stubbe delivered – chocolate will restore man’s flagging venery. Renewed vigor will then heal man’s other woes. In short, chocolate was considered a new “wonder drug”.
Does “Science” Explain the Myth?
Although chocolate contains some chemicals which might be a mood booster or mild sexual stimulant, it is probably the “placebo effect” that best explains the connection between chocolate and love. In other words, chocolate is so strongly associated with sex that it naturally brings such thoughts to mind. Chocolate arouses pleasurable senses. The aroma triggers positive emotions and memories. And it melts in your mouth allowing the taste to linger. The packaging is usually visually appealing, often “romantic”, which is suggestive. All this combined makes you feel good when you eat chocolate …. and one thing leads to another.
Best News – Chocolate is Good for You
Perhaps the best news for chocolate lovers, like myself, is that chocolate is good for you. According to research, chocolate can increase heart health, balance the immune system, combat diabetes, improve brain function, boost athletic performance, and reduce stress.
But not all chocolate is considered healthy. It is dark chocolate, not milk or white chocolate, that provides the many health benefits. Chocolate with at least 70% cocao content provides the most benefit. You will see dark chocolate advertised with the percentage of cocao content. For example, on Amazon, there is Ghirardelli Twilight Delight Intense Dark 72% Cacao Squares, Lindt Excellence Bar (Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa), and Silky Smooth Promises Dove Deeper Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao.
Happy Valentine's Day 2022!
On this special day of love, reach out to those who are near and dear and tell them how much they mean to you. Maybe give them a box of chocolates and watch a smile come across their face. Spread love wherever you go and watch it grow. Remember, all you need is love, love.
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