I started to wonder whether or not chocolate was really an aphrodisiac. Aphrodisiacs, as you know, are those things that are supposed to make you sensitive to erotic stimulation. The name itself comes from the Ancient Greek goddess, Aphrodite, who was both feared for her might and worshiped for her beauty.
Chocolate's "love" qualities though could come from our own cultural understanding. We think that it is an aphrodisiac, so it becomes one. I mean, it tastes good. And, then there is that smooth, melting sensation on the tongue, since chocolate's melting point is just below human body temperature. That's sort of stimulating in itself, don't you think? But then we ought to consider the chemical composition of chocolate. What exactly is in the stuff? And where did this idea of it being an aphrodisiac come from in the first place?
The answer to whether or not chocolate is an aphrodisiac differs from person to person, but I will tell you what I found out and let you decide on your own.
According to some sources, the Aztecs, the first people to cultivate cacao, celebrated chocolate's aphrodisiacal powers. They used to eat vast quantities of food cooked with chocolate during the harvest time, and then engage in raucous orgies during festivals. But there are also reports that say that the men in Aztec society forbid chocolate-cooked food to women, because of its power as an aphrodisiac.
While both of these reports could be factual, I am not sure of them. Because it seems to me that if the men forbid women to eat chocolate, why did they have wild orgies during harvest time? Something doesn't add up. They would seemingly be forcing it on their women! But that's just the humble opinion of this author. Nonetheless, the Aztecs thought chocolate had erotic powers.
History is also replete with examples of others who were convinced of chocolate's powers. The courtesan of French King Louis XV, Madame du Barry, apparently made sure that her lovers drank a brimming cup of chocolate before they were granted entrance to her boudoir. And Casanova, the famed Casanova, drank chocolate daily at the Florian Cafe in Venice, proclaiming the drink to be better, that is, more stimulating, than champagne. And these are just some of the examples.
So obviously people throughout history have considered chocolate to have aphrodisiacal properties. But what gives it those properties? Chemicals! Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, an amino acid that occurs naturally. Some claim that phenylethylamine can even cure hangovers, but it certainly is related to love. Your body, apparently, secretes it when you are struck head over heels. And that's not the only brain chemical that chocolate contains. It also has levels of dopamine and serotonin, both of which are pain killers and put you in a better mood. Serotonin even causes you to have a pleasurable feeling akin to the one you get when you stand in the sun.
Its no wonder that chocolate's so popular! Tasty, uplifting, stimulating, what more could you ask for? Oh, aphrodisiacal? Well, none of the sources I could find gave a concrete opinion on whether or not chocolate was really an aphrodisiac. But, in all honesty, who cares? With all the other stuff going for it, does chocolate need to be an aphrodisiac for you to want to eat it? Now if you'll excuse me, I have some exquisite dark chocolate to nibble on.
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
What are Uses of Sugar Free Chocolates?
At present, most people suffer from some or the other chronic diseases. It is not always possible to stay away from chronic diseases. Eating healthy and doing regular exercise is the best solution to the recurring problem. There are numerous medicines in the market which are helpful for people. Sometimes the allopathic medicines are harmful and have side effects. For this reason, many people avoid allopathic medicines. They opt for homeopathic and ayurvedic medicines which have no or minimum side effects. But they often do not help in driving out completely the disease. Therefore people generally opt for whatever comes to their hands. Often the healthy gourmet and sugar-free chocolates come as a solution to the problem.
The sugar free chocolates have anti oxidant property and are tasty as well. Since the value of flavonoids (as natural anti oxidants) is well known, green tea is favored all over the world. It has a large amount of flavonoid. Much flavonoid is also available in strawberry. It is highly beneficial for health.
Dark chocolates which are free from sugar are also beneficial. Although chocolates are known to increase the weight of an individual, these sugar free chocolates do not always increase the weight. Thus one can stay away from obesity, the continual problem for many. Therefore sugar free chocolates are preferred by young and old alike.
Sugar-free chocolates are also essential for diabetes patients. They can indulge in these sugar-free chocolates even when they are under a strict restriction of food. The sugar-free dark chocolates have proven medical benefits. They are also said to boost up the energy level. So while you are going out for a trip you can make sure to stuff your pockets with lots of sugar-free dark chocolates to boost your energy!
There is no added caffeine in these products. Caffeine is harmful for the body and liver. Since no caffeine is present in sugar free chocolates chances of caffeine side effects are lowered to some extent. The dark sugar free chocolates can be taken by both vegan and non vegetarians. Taking chocolates also encourages appetite control. This means that you will feel a bit hungrier next time you take dark sugar free chocolates. Since cardiovascular health is promoted by these sugar free chocolates it is recommended for patients with chronic heart diseases. Another important property of the dark chocolates is the anti ageing property. They also contain protective materials which are valuable for the skin. Therefore if you want a glow in your skin then you can opt for the sugar free chocolates.
The sugar free chocolates have anti oxidant property and are tasty as well. Since the value of flavonoids (as natural anti oxidants) is well known, green tea is favored all over the world. It has a large amount of flavonoid. Much flavonoid is also available in strawberry. It is highly beneficial for health.
Dark chocolates which are free from sugar are also beneficial. Although chocolates are known to increase the weight of an individual, these sugar free chocolates do not always increase the weight. Thus one can stay away from obesity, the continual problem for many. Therefore sugar free chocolates are preferred by young and old alike.
Sugar-free chocolates are also essential for diabetes patients. They can indulge in these sugar-free chocolates even when they are under a strict restriction of food. The sugar-free dark chocolates have proven medical benefits. They are also said to boost up the energy level. So while you are going out for a trip you can make sure to stuff your pockets with lots of sugar-free dark chocolates to boost your energy!
There is no added caffeine in these products. Caffeine is harmful for the body and liver. Since no caffeine is present in sugar free chocolates chances of caffeine side effects are lowered to some extent. The dark sugar free chocolates can be taken by both vegan and non vegetarians. Taking chocolates also encourages appetite control. This means that you will feel a bit hungrier next time you take dark sugar free chocolates. Since cardiovascular health is promoted by these sugar free chocolates it is recommended for patients with chronic heart diseases. Another important property of the dark chocolates is the anti ageing property. They also contain protective materials which are valuable for the skin. Therefore if you want a glow in your skin then you can opt for the sugar free chocolates.
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Dark Chocolate Gifts Idea That Boosts the Mood and More
Chocolate has long been a consideration as a gift-giving idea that is sure to bring a level of excitement to any recipient. Dark chocolate is now getting more of a focus as an option for such due to its healthy antioxidant factors. But is there a dark chocolate gifts idea that will not only please the palate but put one in a good mood, give more natural energy and satisfy cravings for sweets all at the same time?
Dr Paul Anderson over the years has developed non-drug and nutritional remedies for people suffering from chronic pain and depression. He has created a solution for people that not only need to curb their unhealthy cravings for sweets but also a sustained mood elevation as well. “It’s a dietary supplement. We’ve put amino acids, vitamins and minerals but we happen to put them into a chocolate and the reason we put them into a chocolate is chocolate potentiates or makes the nutrients work better.” The good doctor further states that “it really is about turning on that brain, elevating that mood”.
The mood improvement is not the short lived crash-and-burn type that is common to store bought varieties of chocolate. The energy effects of the new phenomenon have been shown to last from 4 to 6 hours. The nutrients put into the chocolate get into the brain and satisfy the desire for the feel-good, healthy brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters. The results lead to a reduction in cravings for the traditional type of chocolate that isn’t good for you.
Another benefit with this dark chocolate gifts idea for the lucky benefactor of your generosity is that each delectable piece is only 40 calories and very low in sugar. This, of course, means that one will not only benefit from a reduction in calories per serving but will also be less inclined to gorge themselves throughout the day because the brain has been satisfied. Their tastebuds will be in nirvana on top of that!
The name of this product is IsaDelight and Dr Anderson states that “anyone looking for better moods, more energy, looking to focus (and) be able to enjoy their days and be really happy it’s a great product to be using.” You can see and hear him talk about this dark chocolate gifts idea by clicking on (or cutting and pasting) http://www.isadelight.com/video6.html and pressing “Click to Play”. You will then be able to get more thoroughly familiar with IsaDelight which may be a household word in the near future due to its many beneficial qualities.
The IsaDelight product can be ordered by going to http://victory4u.isagenix.com/us/en/nutrition_isadelight.dhtml
Dr Paul Anderson over the years has developed non-drug and nutritional remedies for people suffering from chronic pain and depression. He has created a solution for people that not only need to curb their unhealthy cravings for sweets but also a sustained mood elevation as well. “It’s a dietary supplement. We’ve put amino acids, vitamins and minerals but we happen to put them into a chocolate and the reason we put them into a chocolate is chocolate potentiates or makes the nutrients work better.” The good doctor further states that “it really is about turning on that brain, elevating that mood”.
The mood improvement is not the short lived crash-and-burn type that is common to store bought varieties of chocolate. The energy effects of the new phenomenon have been shown to last from 4 to 6 hours. The nutrients put into the chocolate get into the brain and satisfy the desire for the feel-good, healthy brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters. The results lead to a reduction in cravings for the traditional type of chocolate that isn’t good for you.
Another benefit with this dark chocolate gifts idea for the lucky benefactor of your generosity is that each delectable piece is only 40 calories and very low in sugar. This, of course, means that one will not only benefit from a reduction in calories per serving but will also be less inclined to gorge themselves throughout the day because the brain has been satisfied. Their tastebuds will be in nirvana on top of that!
The name of this product is IsaDelight and Dr Anderson states that “anyone looking for better moods, more energy, looking to focus (and) be able to enjoy their days and be really happy it’s a great product to be using.” You can see and hear him talk about this dark chocolate gifts idea by clicking on (or cutting and pasting) http://www.isadelight.com/video6.html and pressing “Click to Play”. You will then be able to get more thoroughly familiar with IsaDelight which may be a household word in the near future due to its many beneficial qualities.
The IsaDelight product can be ordered by going to http://victory4u.isagenix.com/us/en/nutrition_isadelight.dhtml
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Can You Eat Chocolate On A Diet?
A co-worker of mine once said, "Every person should have a little bit of chocolate every day. It's how I maintain my weight." She said this after a group of coworkers that included myself had just finished eating lunch at a Chinese restaurant (an all you can eat buffet) and were staring at her as she was putting quarters into the candy machine for a chocolate treat. She didn't get a lot of chocolate, just a handful of M&M's. But the rest of us were staring at her, wondering how she could afford the calories after the huge lunch we had all indulged in.
Why were we staring at her? She was slim, trim, and looking great. The rest of us were either on a diet or thinking about going on a diet because we all had excess pounds to lose. Yet, the only person who would indulge in a little chocolate was the skinny person in our group.
I told her she had to explain to us how chocolate helped her maintain her weight because I knew that chocolate bars were a definite contributor to the extra flab I had around my stomach.
She said her mother had taught her that having a small treat every day would help her maintain a healthy weight and never feel deprived. She had been following her mother's advice and had never had a weight problem. She said she had a little chocolate every day, but only a little, never more than a handful or M&M's or half a candy bar. Unlike me, she didn't try to stay away from it as long as possible and then binge on it when the cravings for it got to be too much.
Many weight loss experts are agreeing with this philosophy, that having a little room in a diet for a treat makes it much easier to eat healthy the rest of the time.
If that alone isn't enough reason to make you feel it's okay to have a little bit of chocolate every day (yes, I'm assuming you like chocolate because I'm a chocoholic and can't imagine that anyone wouldn't like to have some chocolate every day), scientific research is showing that dark chocolate has some health benefits.
Dark chocolate has been found to contain flavonoids very similar to those that are in green tea. A few of the health benefits those flavonoid antioxidants can have are: improving digestion, stimulating the kidneys, and improving circulation.
So, indulging in a little dark chocolate every day can not only have health benefits, but could actually help a person stick to their diet the rest of the day because they know they can have a little treat that will satisfy them but not sabotage their efforts to lose weight.
The key is to only have a small amount. Indulging in several candy bars a day is definitely overindulging. My mother-in-law, another person who has never been overweight, buys small snack sized packages of her favorite candy bars and has 2 every day. She says 2 are just enough to satisfy her and keep her happy without her having to worry about weight gain. I think she's on to something. She's in her mid-sixties and she doesn't need to worry about dieting or losing weight. She looks great.
Why were we staring at her? She was slim, trim, and looking great. The rest of us were either on a diet or thinking about going on a diet because we all had excess pounds to lose. Yet, the only person who would indulge in a little chocolate was the skinny person in our group.
I told her she had to explain to us how chocolate helped her maintain her weight because I knew that chocolate bars were a definite contributor to the extra flab I had around my stomach.
She said her mother had taught her that having a small treat every day would help her maintain a healthy weight and never feel deprived. She had been following her mother's advice and had never had a weight problem. She said she had a little chocolate every day, but only a little, never more than a handful or M&M's or half a candy bar. Unlike me, she didn't try to stay away from it as long as possible and then binge on it when the cravings for it got to be too much.
Many weight loss experts are agreeing with this philosophy, that having a little room in a diet for a treat makes it much easier to eat healthy the rest of the time.
If that alone isn't enough reason to make you feel it's okay to have a little bit of chocolate every day (yes, I'm assuming you like chocolate because I'm a chocoholic and can't imagine that anyone wouldn't like to have some chocolate every day), scientific research is showing that dark chocolate has some health benefits.
Dark chocolate has been found to contain flavonoids very similar to those that are in green tea. A few of the health benefits those flavonoid antioxidants can have are: improving digestion, stimulating the kidneys, and improving circulation.
So, indulging in a little dark chocolate every day can not only have health benefits, but could actually help a person stick to their diet the rest of the day because they know they can have a little treat that will satisfy them but not sabotage their efforts to lose weight.
The key is to only have a small amount. Indulging in several candy bars a day is definitely overindulging. My mother-in-law, another person who has never been overweight, buys small snack sized packages of her favorite candy bars and has 2 every day. She says 2 are just enough to satisfy her and keep her happy without her having to worry about weight gain. I think she's on to something. She's in her mid-sixties and she doesn't need to worry about dieting or losing weight. She looks great.
Friday, 13 February 2009
What is a Chocolate Fountain?
A chocolate fountain is usually made of stainless steel and serves melted chocolate. A motor at the base heats the chocolate placed in the heating tray. The heated chocolate then goes up through a column and when it gets to the top, flows down over multiple tiers. This chocolate flows over each tray until it reaches the base.
Couverture chocolate, which contains at least 32 percent cocoa butter, works great in a chocolate fountain. You get this in light milk chocolate or dark chocolate. You can use other chocolate but must add vegetable oil, which hampers the taste and smoothness.
At one time chocolate fountains were commercial units, which cost thousands of dollars and used by professional party planners at catering events. You can still rent larger fountains from party stores and catering services that come with an attendant to made sure the fountain runs properly.
Home Chocolate Fountains
Now chocolate fountains are available for home use so people can host their own events. A home fountain is great for a party of around 20 or 25 people.
For someone thinking of purchasing a chocolate fountain for his or her home, there are a large number of budget friendly chocolate fountains on the market. Many of the very inexpensive models are not worth buying because of their cheap construction.
Purchasing a Chocolate Fountain
When purchasing a chocolate fountain for home use, look for the following:
? A good warranty is very important.
? It should be easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
? You want a machine that is easy to assemble.
? Make sure the construction quality is excellent.
? Nothing is worse than a loud machine so quiet operation is important.
? Auger pumping mechanism
To have the chocolate flow smoothly, you need to add oil. Many companies make chocolate for chocolate fountains that you do not add oil so you can set them up faster and more conveniently.
Most people are chocolate lovers. Just seeing rich chocolate, cascading down each layer on a chocolate fountain, makes our mouths water. There are many types of chocolate available to use. Some of these are:
? Milk chocolate - creamy and smooth
? Dark chocolate - some people call this bitter chocolate
? Unsweetened chocolate - no sweeteners added
Chocolate Facts
Less than 2 percent of fat in American diets come from chocolate. The main sources are fried foods, meat and full fat dairy products. Experts and research show that most headaches are not related to chocolate intake. Studies show that stress, hunger, irregular sleep patterns and hormone changes can cause headaches.
Couverture chocolate, which contains at least 32 percent cocoa butter, works great in a chocolate fountain. You get this in light milk chocolate or dark chocolate. You can use other chocolate but must add vegetable oil, which hampers the taste and smoothness.
At one time chocolate fountains were commercial units, which cost thousands of dollars and used by professional party planners at catering events. You can still rent larger fountains from party stores and catering services that come with an attendant to made sure the fountain runs properly.
Home Chocolate Fountains
Now chocolate fountains are available for home use so people can host their own events. A home fountain is great for a party of around 20 or 25 people.
For someone thinking of purchasing a chocolate fountain for his or her home, there are a large number of budget friendly chocolate fountains on the market. Many of the very inexpensive models are not worth buying because of their cheap construction.
Purchasing a Chocolate Fountain
When purchasing a chocolate fountain for home use, look for the following:
? A good warranty is very important.
? It should be easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
? You want a machine that is easy to assemble.
? Make sure the construction quality is excellent.
? Nothing is worse than a loud machine so quiet operation is important.
? Auger pumping mechanism
To have the chocolate flow smoothly, you need to add oil. Many companies make chocolate for chocolate fountains that you do not add oil so you can set them up faster and more conveniently.
Most people are chocolate lovers. Just seeing rich chocolate, cascading down each layer on a chocolate fountain, makes our mouths water. There are many types of chocolate available to use. Some of these are:
? Milk chocolate - creamy and smooth
? Dark chocolate - some people call this bitter chocolate
? Unsweetened chocolate - no sweeteners added
Chocolate Facts
Less than 2 percent of fat in American diets come from chocolate. The main sources are fried foods, meat and full fat dairy products. Experts and research show that most headaches are not related to chocolate intake. Studies show that stress, hunger, irregular sleep patterns and hormone changes can cause headaches.
Friday, 6 February 2009
225-Year-Old Vienna Chocolate Recipe
225 years ago, someone named Miss Parloa created this very special Vienna-style chocolate drink recipe. And today I want to share the recipe with you so that you'll be warm in cold winter nights.
It's quite easy actually...
Use four ounces of vanilla chocolate, one quart of milk, three tablespoonfuls of hot water, and one tablespoonful of sugar.
Cut the chocolate in fine bits. Put the milk on the stove in the double-boiler, and when it has been heated to the boiling point, put the chocolate, sugar and water in a small iron or granite-ware pan, and stir over a hot fire until smooth and glossy. Stir this mixture into the hot milk, and beat well with a whisk. Serve at once, putting a tablespoonful of whipped cream in each cup and then filling up with the chocolate.
The plain chocolate may be used instead of the vanilla, but in that case use a teaspoonful of vanilla extract and three generous tablespoonfuls of sugar instead of one.
Enjoy sipping.
It's quite easy actually...
Use four ounces of vanilla chocolate, one quart of milk, three tablespoonfuls of hot water, and one tablespoonful of sugar.
Cut the chocolate in fine bits. Put the milk on the stove in the double-boiler, and when it has been heated to the boiling point, put the chocolate, sugar and water in a small iron or granite-ware pan, and stir over a hot fire until smooth and glossy. Stir this mixture into the hot milk, and beat well with a whisk. Serve at once, putting a tablespoonful of whipped cream in each cup and then filling up with the chocolate.
The plain chocolate may be used instead of the vanilla, but in that case use a teaspoonful of vanilla extract and three generous tablespoonfuls of sugar instead of one.
Enjoy sipping.
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Why Chocolate Is Loved By People All Over The World
Chocolate has been a longtime favorite of many. The earliest recorded mainstream use of chocolate was in 1529 when it was used in Spain. Since then chocolate has made stops around the globe. Introduced in liquid products in England chocolate has taken off in popularity since. Some of the first chocolate bars were bittersweet like that that became popular in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. However chocolate really went mainstream in America around the 1920s. At that time there were approximately 40,000 different candy bars introduced in the Eastern United States.
Chocolate has grown ever popular since it was first produce and enjoyed. There are few who do not enjoy an occasional candy bar or sweet treat made with chocolate in it. Today you can find chocolate in candy, drinks foods and even medicine.
Chocolate has become both a favorite of many and a hindrance to many diets. The sweet smooth taste of chocolate is being constantly improved upon. There are many different types of chocolate available today. For instance, dark chocolate, which appears to produce a sweeter yet less sugary type of flavor has be come extremely popular in recent year.
Chocolate has also long been known for its antioxidants that help to keep your body healthy. Indulging in a small piece of chocolate regularly has been shown in scientific studies to improve your mood and improve your health. As long as you don't go overboard eating a small chocolate can help your body to fight off illness and various illnesses due to lack of antioxidants.
Chocolate is often given to others as a gift for some holidays. It is also proven to improve your mood due to releasing chemicals in your brain know as mood enhancers. Recent studies have shown that giving a small piece of chocolate to patients in the hospital can improve their mood and therefore speed the healing process.
Dark chocolate has been show to contain the most antioxidants so if you are merely interested in the occasional chocolate for health purposes then you should be aware to use dark chocolate. The benefits have been proven by the FDA or Food and Drug Administration, which conduct and approve all regulated foods in the United States.
Regardless of whether you eat chocolate for enjoyment or for the health benefits there is no shortage of choice. You can find chocolate in many drinks, candy, foods, and some medicines. The love for chocolate seems to be a love shared by the entire world. You will find chocolate in most countries around the globe, sometimes in small villages that you may have never expected. Isn't it great to know that wherever you go there is probably somewhere nearby where you can purchase your favorite sweet treat, chocolate?
Chocolate has grown ever popular since it was first produce and enjoyed. There are few who do not enjoy an occasional candy bar or sweet treat made with chocolate in it. Today you can find chocolate in candy, drinks foods and even medicine.
Chocolate has become both a favorite of many and a hindrance to many diets. The sweet smooth taste of chocolate is being constantly improved upon. There are many different types of chocolate available today. For instance, dark chocolate, which appears to produce a sweeter yet less sugary type of flavor has be come extremely popular in recent year.
Chocolate has also long been known for its antioxidants that help to keep your body healthy. Indulging in a small piece of chocolate regularly has been shown in scientific studies to improve your mood and improve your health. As long as you don't go overboard eating a small chocolate can help your body to fight off illness and various illnesses due to lack of antioxidants.
Chocolate is often given to others as a gift for some holidays. It is also proven to improve your mood due to releasing chemicals in your brain know as mood enhancers. Recent studies have shown that giving a small piece of chocolate to patients in the hospital can improve their mood and therefore speed the healing process.
Dark chocolate has been show to contain the most antioxidants so if you are merely interested in the occasional chocolate for health purposes then you should be aware to use dark chocolate. The benefits have been proven by the FDA or Food and Drug Administration, which conduct and approve all regulated foods in the United States.
Regardless of whether you eat chocolate for enjoyment or for the health benefits there is no shortage of choice. You can find chocolate in many drinks, candy, foods, and some medicines. The love for chocolate seems to be a love shared by the entire world. You will find chocolate in most countries around the globe, sometimes in small villages that you may have never expected. Isn't it great to know that wherever you go there is probably somewhere nearby where you can purchase your favorite sweet treat, chocolate?
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