BY JANE APPLEGATH
It’s amazing what a little chocolate can do. Dark, rich and seductive, it’s happiness in one bite.
It turns out women have an almost spiritual relationship with chocolate. Studies reveal that one-third of all women dream about chocolate during the day, while only 18% think about sex.
For men it’s the reverse; 60% of men think about sex and only 11% think about chocolate.
Apparently it’s all about the chemistry of sweet science. Chocolate contains the chemical phenylethylamine (PEA). Known as the “love drug,” this chemical releases the same mood-altering endorphins that flood the body during sex. Okay, so scarfing a few truffles will probably mean just a fleeting dose of PEA, but one thing is guaranteed – eating dark chocolate not only feels great but it ignites a kind of “meditative” satisfaction that women love.
And for those of us who are chocoholics, there’s the health benefits of flavonoids – those are the antioxidant compounds found in the cocoa bean that help zap toxins, boost brain power, reduce blood pressure and slash stress hormone levels. Plus, ounce for ounce dark chocolate has more flavonoid content than green tea, red wine and eight times the number of antioxidants found in strawberries.
The bottom line: When craving something sweet, dip into a little dark chocolate. It’s one age-defying treat that will keep you feeling Forever Younger.
Too much sugar, milk and butter can be unhealthy. The best way to satisfy your chocolate craving is to look for at least 70% cocoa and limit your daily intake to an ounce and a half. It’s one delicious way to help keep you feeling forever younger.
