Love for chocolate

Love for chocolate

A  gift for someone you love

Nine out of ten people like chocolate,the tenth person always lies. 

That sums up how much chocolate is loved by everyone. Chocolate has become the metaphor for love. It is given to express love, celebrate occasions, gifted to someone you love, express gratitude or even as a return gift. In fact there is no occasion for which a box of chocolates would be inappropriate.

So, why is that we love our chocolate so much. Is it some genetic factor, is it in our genes? What makes some people choc-o-holic, to an extent that they are not ready to try any other flavor than chocolate? Try offering it to a die hard fan of chocolate and see if you can persuade him into trying something new !!

Chocolate had been used as early as 1900 BC by Olmecs (Mexico). What started as a chocolate drink has metamorphosed into  a multi billion dollar industry of commercially produced chocolates in different forms; bars, syrups, spreads, ice creams and chocolate cakes.

What exactly is Chocolate?

Cocoa beans are the dried and fermented seeds of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao). Theobroma literally means “Food of Gods”. After fermentation, the beans are dried and then roasted. The nibs are extracted by removing the shells. Then they are  ground and liquefied to make pure chocolate liquor. The liquor is further processed into cocoa solids and cocoa butter.

It is the varying proportion of the cocoa solids and the butter which gives it the characteristic taste and texture. The active ingredients are in the solids. More the butter, more will be the fats. Pure chocolate is devoid of any milk and sugar. It’s addition makes it more palatable ranging from dark chocolate, milk chocolate to  finally white chocolate.

The Aztecs used to consume chocolate as a bitter, frothy drink mixed with chillies. We are luckier though, with the plethora of options we have. Chocolate triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, our feel good hormones. It makes us feel happy and elated. It is said to contain more than three hundred different chemicals, but the most important ones are caffeine and theobromine.

A table spoon of unsweetened cocoa powder contains 12.1 mg of caffeine, whereas dark chocolate will contain in a higher concentration- 22mg per 25 mg serving. The psychoactive effects on cognitive performance can be seen with even 9 mg dose.

Why do we love it so much ?

We love it because of the rich aroma and taste, the way it simply melts in our mouth. The rich creamy flavor evokes a wonderful joyous feeling. Its association with love, romance and happiness makes it a part of our celebrations. But wait, the answer is not so simple! 

Letting chocolate dissolve in your mouth produces the same effect as a passionate kiss in the brain and raised heart rate. Moreover, the effect can last unto four times longer!

There are several hundred different chemical in your typical chocolate, but the most notable are the stimulants theobromine, phenylethylamine and caffeine. It also contains a feel good chemical called anandamide, similar to the one found in marijuana called anandamide THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It also persists for a long time giving us the longer lasting “chocolate high”.

Eating too much chocolate also triggers a different area of brain (parahippocampal gyrus. Orbitofrontal cortex and prefrontal regions) which practically tells the person to stop as it is perceived negatively.

Choc-o-holics vs Non choco-o-holics

Is there is a difference in the response by brain in people addicted to chocolates against those not? Apparently, there is a difference. Certain areas of brain (orbitofrontal cortex,cortex, ventral striatum and the pregenual cingulate cortex) behave in a different manner in these persons. These same areas are involved in other forms of addictive behavior, such as drug taking, drinking and gambling.

Even a sight of chocolate when you are dieting can trigger a response.

Is it bad for me?

Dark chocolate has higher levels of epicatechin levels which are understood to increase physical performance to a small extent. Some studies say that it reduces the blood pressure, but it has been found that the effect is seen only when it is consumed in very high quantities.

Some side effects include heart burn, sweating, trembling and headache. Consistent consumption can lead to kidney stones. Chocolate can be an important source of lead especially in children, if consumed in high quantities. Allergic reactions and  acne are known to occur.

So eating small to moderate quantities does you no harm and might be of some benefit, but eating too much will increase sugar and fat intake which leads to obesity and its problems.

 Final words

Charles Schulz has said, “All you need is love but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” So indulging yourself or giving it to someone you love is definitely a thing you must do. It creates long lasting memories and moments which we can cherish forever.

Enjoy the chocolate high, gift it to someone whom you love, share it with friends who make you happy and  surprise someone by sending it to them without a reason.

Keep making your life more chocolatey by enjoying the Theobroma…the food of Gods !!