Rosalee Brown

Most women and a large number of men love chocolate. This irresistible and tantalising food, made from the cocoa bean, has a reputation that dates back centuries.

The Olmec Indians are believed to be the first to grow chocolate as far back as 400 BC. The Mayans were said to migrate to South America and had the first cocoa plantation in the Yucatans. During the 14th century, cocoa drink became popular among the Aztec upper classes and history says that Montezuma, the Aztec King, drank up to 50 cups of chocolate a day to sustain his harem of 600 women.

Joseph Fry and Son, who joined forces with the Cadbury brothers in 1849, created the first modern chocolate bar in 1847. Richard Cadbury created the first heart-shaped box for chocolate candy in 1861. In 1879, Rodolphe Lindy of Switzerland produced a more smooth and creamy chocolate that melts on the tongue. Filled chocolate was introduced in 1913 by Swiss Confiseur Jules Sechaud of Montreux and in 1926 Belgian chocolatier, Joseph Draps, started Godiva to compete with Hershey and Nestlé.

It's irresistible

Now chocoholics, this must have got your juices flowing. What is it that makes chocolate so irresistible? Is it its sweet taste, the fact that it melts in your mouth, or that it satisfies some deeper desire or craving? Women are known to have an acute overwhelming craving for chocolate during ovulation and menstruation. Does this have a relationship to its aphrodisiac effect?

Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a naturally occurring neuroamine that comes from the amino acid phenylalanine. This chemical is released naturally in the body when you are in love. Chocolate also contains other substances such as dopamine, which gives a pleasurable feeling similar to that you get after a good workout and serotonin which acts as an antidepressant and theobromine which has a stimulating effect.

Chocolate is also rich in antioxidants. It is a rich source of the antioxidant, catechin, that has cancer-fighting benefits. Other flavoniods in chocolate have a positive effect on blood flow and reduce the risk of artery clogging. Chocolate is also a source of vitamins and minerals.

Cocoa powder ranks highest of all the chocolate products, followed by dark chocolate and then milk chocolate in terms of antioxidant benefits. Milk chocolate and other types of chocolates have sugar added to increase sweetness and flavour. Chocolate is also high in fat (the cocoa butter comes from the cocoa pod) but like every thing else in your diet, you should use it in moderation. Moderation is very important for all high-calorie foods.

Tips on savouring the chocolate flavour

Melt or make a fondue and dip fruits such as banana, pieces of apple or strawberry. Share and enjoy.

Dip your finger right in and share in small amounts.

Have fresh fruits served with whipped cream and drizzled with rich, melted chocolate.

If you receive one of those sinfully rich chocolate packages high in cocoa, creamy and not very sweet, let the decadent pieces last, enjoy only one morsel each time. No need to abstain, just enjoy it in small amounts for weeks.

Remember, if you had a little too much chocolate, you can burn the extra calories in a good workout.

Enjoy Valentine's Day and every day!