Tantalizing Power of Chocolate?
Tantalizing power of chocolate? Wait what? If you did a double take on that title, I get it. I mean I knew I liked eating chocolate and it certainly makes me happy but tantalizing?
The Science Behind the Tantalizing Theory
The tantalizing power of chocolate is linked to dopamine already in chocolate. Chocolate contains the dopamine precursor tyrosine. Additionally, the serotonin and endorphins contained in cocoa and chocolate contribute to appetite, reward and mood regulation.
In The Mood For Love
Of course, anything that makes you feel good can also potentially put you in the mood. Not many will know but chocolate is considered to be an aphrodisiac food, releasing brain soothing chemicals which increase energy and desire levels. Chocolate is proven to produce a natural high which elevates a person’s mood and this is often equated to feeling in love.
Chocolate comes from the cocoa tree which is also known as ‘Theobroma cacao’ which is the Greek way of saying “food for the gods”. I guess it’s fairly safe to say that if chocolate is fit for a God, it’s definitely worthy to give to my husband to show my love and appreciate for him. (Though he’s not really a chocolate guy but certainly, it’s the thought that counts. )
Tantalizing Power Of Chocolate and Ek Chuah
Reportedly, during the Mayan and Aztec periods, chocolate was considered to be a highly prized luxury item reserved to be enjoyed by the wealthy and important in Mayan culture.
Cacao was so precious Mayans had a specific god for cacao. The principal Mayan god of merchants was Ek Chuah (ek means “star” and chuah means “black” in Yucatec Maya). He was also the god of cacao. The connection lies in the fact that cacao seeds were so valuable they were used as currency throughout Meso-America.
Speaking of Mayan Culture, if you’ve never seen Chichén Itzá, you should check out my recent blog post. It’s called The Wonderful Reason You Need to Visit Chichén Itzá! Did you know Chichén Itzá is one of the New Wonders of the World? Check out my blog to find out more.
Chocolate Makes It All Better
There may be some truth to the statement, chocolate makes everything better. According to this 2015 Study from Journal of Social and Personal Relationships there may be some truth to that.
Apparently chocolate turns on happy feelings in our brains. The sweet treat has been shown to cause the brain to release the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals dopamine and endorphins. It certainly worked for this little girl!
Let’s Test This Tantalizing Power Theory
Now to test the theory of the tantalizing power of chocolate. Try this easy recipe for Chocolate Soup. And of course, you can’t serve a yummy recipe like this in just any kind of bowl! Absolutely not!
The Tantalizing Power of Chocolate In The Perfect CupofMood!
Undoubtedly, you know you can’t serve something that yummy looking in just any old type of bowl! No, you need a special bowl to further accentuate the tantalizing power of chocolate. You can find all types of cups, wine glasses, soup mugs and more in my Valentines Day Collection in my CupofMood Shop.
Looking for More Valentine’s Day Ideas?
I’ll be posting more ideas for Valentine’ Day. And if Galentine’s Day is more your vibe, don’t miss this blog post 3 Surprisingly Simple Ways To Have A Fun Galentine’s Day .
So, until next time,
Namaste,
Khadeeja