The Worlds # 1 Chocolate Cake. Recipe For The Worlds # 1 Chocolate Cake.

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?

Guide - Several medical studies show that eating chocolate in moderation can actually prolong your life by reducing risk of blood clots and fighting bad cholestorol.

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.

Guide - The shelf life of a bar of chocolate is approximately one year.

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.

Guide - If one swallows a cup of chocolate only three hours after a copious lunch, everything will be perfectly digested and there will still be room for dinner.

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.

Guide - Holding the strawberry by the leaves, dip it into the warm chocolate and swirl.

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.

Guide - ‘Nine out of ten people like chocolate. The tenth person always tells a little white lie.

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Guide - ‘If you are not feeling well, if you have not slept, chocolate will revive you.

Believe it or not, research has shown that plant-based sterols that come from soy and if added to a snack bar that is also cocoa-based could reduce significantly the levels of cholesterol in the body.

Due to this research as well as decades of studies on the value of cocoa, a major chocolate company developed a snack bar that contains sterol as well as cocoa - CocoaVia.

Chocolate CocoaVia is good for you, really
This chocolate study has therefore proven that people could actually eat CocoaVia - at most about two bars - in one day and still see a relevant reduction in the levels of cholesterol in their body. CocoaVia is the first snack bar to ever offer combined cocoa flavanols and sterols.

Guide - If one swallows a cup of chocolate only three hours after a copious lunch, everything will be perfectly digested and there will still be room for dinner.

Overall, chocolate is good for the heart’s health
Based on the study done by the University of California, Davis, it has concluded that chocolates - specifically cocoa - contains natural plant nutrients that are healthy for the heart. This plant nutrient is flavanols. The study by UC Davis examined what the effects are of a snack food that contains sterol that is cocoa based.

Believe it or not, the American Heart Association as well as the National Cholesterol Education Program has recommended that if sterols from soy is included in the diet, it could help lower the levels of cholesterol significantly.

Also, the Food and Drug Administration back in the year 2002 has approved a claim that sterol is able to significantly lower the risk of heart disease via a decrease in cholesterol levels.
The study was composed of two groups. One was composed of thirty five participants that that were given placebo snack bars (these bars do not contain sterol) two times a day while another group composed also of thirty five participants received bars that contain sterols from plants.

Guide - Strawberrys dipped in chocolate can be a delectable treat. Let the excess chocolate drip off. Place the strawberry upside down with the point in the air.

All the cholesterol levels of the participants were then checked during the study’s beginning as well as in the middle. The levels were also checked two times by the end of the study’s period - specifically six weeks.

The results were conclusive. The study began with the participants having a cholesterol level of more than 240 mg/dl as well as more than 160mg/dl. But at the study’s end, the cholesterol LDL as well as the ratio of HDL total had a dramatic decrease by almost five percent to seven percent respectively on those who ate snack bars that are plant sterol enriched.

Guide - In genearl, the shelf life for chocolate is a year. Chocolate that is refrigerated may not melt as readily.

It was also discovered that no significant changes in one’s weight or blood pressure were seen in both groups.

Still not yet convinced? Continue to read on

Mars, Incorporated’s in-house research chemist has concluded that plant sterols is an ingredient that are proven clinically to lower cholesterol levels. Cardiologists and physicians have therefore recommended that spreads containing sterols be used by patients with heart-heath issues.

Guide - ‘Nine out of ten people like chocolate. The tenth person always tells a little white lie.

Good for the heart, but is it good for the tongue?

Take heed and relax as doctors have also recommended that the benefits of flavanols from cocoa does not only include cardiovascular health but it also tastes great too.

All in all, CocoaVia and cocoa flavanols for that matter have effects that are positive for the heart and the overall health of an individual. It really takes an open mind to be able to grasp a complete understanding of the benefits of cocoa.

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Guide - Choose organic chocolates. Certified organic chocolate ensures there are no harmful pesticide residues.

Research teams hailing from various countries, such as Switzerland, have concluded that chocolate may aid in the prevention of diseases that are known to attack the heart. Through numerous studies, it has been stated that the best kind of chocolate to ingest for your health is the dark bitter variety. A group of Swiss researchers implied that eating this type of chocolate on an everyday basis is most beneficial.

Guide - Holding the strawberry by the leaves, dip it into the warm chocolate and swirl.

Conclusions were made regarding the health benefits of chocolate after conducting a series of tests on a group of about 30 volunteers. The test group consisted of people who smoked, but did not appear to have any health ailments to deal with. The test subjects had to abide by a few guidelines in order for researchers to obtain the results they needed.

For starters, the volunteers were not allowed to eat any foods that contained any antioxidants. Some of these edible items included cabbage, onions and apples. This was a requirement to be followed after they were given doses of different kinds of chocolate. About 40 grams of the sweet stuff was given to them.

Guide - It is widely believed that chocolate consumption releases a chemical into your body very similar to what is produced when you are in love.

After two hours passed from the consumption of the chocolate, the findings appeared on an echograph. One of the points that were revealed involved the consumption of dark chocolate, which consist of at least 75% cocoa. The echograph showed that the test subjects enjoyed an improvement with the flow of their blood. Additional tests revealed that a decrease in blood incidents, as well as blockages was seen from the initial observations. The risk for these occurrences had significantly decreased. It was also shown that white chocolate did not possess the same characteristics or results as darker versions.

Guide - Several medical studies show that eating chocolate in moderation can actually prolong your life by reducing risk of blood clots and fighting bad cholestorol.

This is probably because dark chocolate has a high level of antioxidants per one gram of substance. These levels are higher that other popular food items, including green tea, some fruits and red wine.

There is no doubt about the amount of helpful and healthy antioxidants contained within a piece of chocolate. The reason that it is often viewed as an undesirable food item is due to the large amounts of fats that chocolate possesses. The levels of glucose are also seen as an unhealthy characteristic. If this type of sweet is consumed at a high rate, numerous other problems may arise, including obesity and diabetes.

Guide - Choose quality over quantity. If you are going to eat chocolate, eat really good chocolate.

If you are interested in the incorporation of chocolate into your daily diet to accompany your efforts towards a healthier lifestyle, keep in mind that moderation is the key. You should focus on fixing the amount of chocolate you consume to match your weight and how much exercise you complete throughout the day. If you are a person that is constantly on the move, then consuming chocolate shouldn’t pose any threat of weight gain. For those who are confined to working in an office all day or spend most of their time in a chair, you may face a brick wall. Without much exercise or participation in sports, you run the risk of adding a few extra pounds to your frame with increased amounts of chocolate consumption.

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