Chocolate and love connection dates back to ancient times, chocolates have been in existence almost as long as man. The Aztecs believed that chocolates have always been aphrodisiac. But science has always been doubtful about it. However, we have reasons to believe that chocolates have a strong connection with love, or sweets with love generally. Thanks to a new study of a journal of social and personal relationships. Among tons of experiment carried out a research titled “Sweet Love: The Effects of Sweet Taste Experiment on Romantic Perceptions.” Researchers speculated that abundant sweet food will spur the feeling of romance among participants.

All this while chocolate was not only gaining popularity for its decadence, but also for its aphrodisiac qualities. The main reasons why we love and have a deep connection with chocolates can be explained by science especially the reason why we feel so good after eating raw chocolate;

Phenylethylamine

This is a major chemical we produce from our bodies when we are in love. These chemicals are found in abundance in raw Cocoa. (The main natural suppressants in cocoa are Phenylethylamine). Cocoa contains no sugar, making it ideal for weight loss. On its nutritional profile, it contains Phenylethylamine and minerals that help block appetite.

Anandamide

This is a chemical substance (cannabinoids endorphin) that the human body naturally produces after exercise and this can be gotten from the cocoa plant. Anandamide is a bliss chemical substance that is often released when we feel great. Cocoa consists of enzyme inhibitors that help to break down anandamide that helps us to feel good longer.

Tryptophan

Cocoa contains an adequate amount of amino acids and tryptophan which is a strong mood enhancer nutrients. The presence of tryptophan in the diet is very important for the production of serotonin, which is our main neurotransmitter.

Before modern science, a scientist has been clued into the good feeling gotten from chocolate, and it is from the consumption of cocoa beans. The Aztec emperor is said to have consumed a large number of grounded beans to increase his sexual prowess. Also during Mesoamerican weddings, couples are said to share a ritual cup of cocoa believing it Will increase their luck in love. It should not be a surprise that chocolate serves as a symbol of love. So here are 5 fun facts about chocolate and love.

Love can make food spice sweeter.

One of the world signs of falling in love is that food and water start to taste sweeter than before. With love, the Taste of chocolate becomes even better. A set of 2013 studies carried out research to compare the taste of a neutral group of people with participants induced with anger, jealousy, and love. Each of the groups was asked to rank the sweetness of certain foods and the group induced with love, jealousy and anger ranked similarly. The love group ranking was higher on the sweet scale.

Chocolate can make singles fantasize about love

Eating a chocolate bar can get you in the mood of dating. This was portrayed in a 2014 study that studied the effects of eating snacks on the romantic thoughts of singles. It was found out that singles who consumed chocolate were more likely to start imagining hypothetical loving Relationships than those who consumed chips.

You have to consume 11 kg of chocolate at a time to feel the aphrodisiac effects.

Some chemical substances found in dark chocolate are said to boost serotonin and dopamine which elevates the mood in a way that it feels like a romantic rush. But a chocolate bar doesn’t have enough of these boosters to have a quick effect. Researchers say that you need to consume 11 kg of chocolate in one sitting to feel the outcome.

Chocolate can get you more hyped up than passionate kissing.

In 2007, a researchers studied couple’s heartbeats and brainwaves while they kissed and the resting rate. It was discovered that kissing made their heart beat faster than the rest but chocolate made it beat faster still. What’s more, the melting point of chocolate in their mouths releases a surge in brain activity.

The scent of chocolate can make you want to buy a romance novel.

In 2013, research was carried out in a bookstore where they pumped chocolate smells around the store and studied the shopper’s behavior. Surprisingly when the store smelled of Chocolate the sales of romance novels increased.

Here are three good reasons to give chocolates for Valentine’s day

The history of valentine can be traced back to Roman times and Lupercalia a festival that involves fertility and feasting in mid-February. The celebration of love created it’s own holiday and it continued to evolve from couples exchanging vows and words into an exchange of pricey gifts and candy. But no one knows exactly why chocolate became part of lover’s list every Valentine.

History and Tradition

As back In ancient days, Aztec couples will drink a cup of cocoa beans during their wedding ceremony. This was only the beginning of chocolate and love connection. By the Victorian era, chocolate became a popular food. Traditions of valentine commenced sweeping around Europe and the first heart-shaped chocolate box was created.

Science says so

The real reason why chocolate has always been linked to love is that it contains some  ingredients that can trigger some feel good hormones in the brain. So along with the indulging and sweet taste, these hormones can put you in a romantic mood, and isn’t that what we all want, this valentine?

It’s a display of affection.

Apart from science and tradition, a box of chocolate is a showcase of feelings, love, and care. Accompanied with flowers it is a perfect Valentine’s gift for a loved one.  

Although there’s no perfect time to eat chocolate, valentine day is seen as a day to indulge more in chocolate bars. So whether you prefer a big box of truffles or peanut filled butter, chocolate is a perfect gift for valentine.