Chocolate has long been tied to romance. During romantic holidays and anniversaries, it is not surprising how chocolates will factor in the gifts and common sights during occasions when romance is brought to mind. This is not only because of the fact that chocolates are very sweet and is known to instantly make people happy because of certain substances in it which contributes to the release of endorphin, a hormone known to make people happy.
Traditionally, chocolates are given out as a gift of love. Along with roses and other forms of love declarations, chocolates rank as one of the most popular gifts to show romance. Because of this, chocolates are being claimed as aphrodisiacs. Aphrodisiacs are substances which are said to arouse carnal desires. The word is coined from the goddess of love Aphrodite.
Throughout history, chocolate has been recognized as a food known for its stimulating characteristics. In older South American cultures, such as the Mayans and the Aztecs, people are said to consume chocolate or to give chocolates to their lovers in order to arouse themselves. In fact, legend has it that Montezuma, an Aztec ruler, used to consume a lot of chocolate before going to some of his wives.
The richness and the decadence of chocolate contribute a little sinfulness to it which suggests sensuality. This can not be completely separated from the romance and lust attributed to chocolate.
There is evidence to support the claim that Chocolates are indeed aphrodisiacs. There are three very dominant substances in chocolate which contribute to the said aphrodisiac effect: caffeine, theobromine and phenyethylamine.
Caffeine is known to be the strongest substance in coffee. Caffeine is, in fact, considered to be the most addictive substance in coffee. It is a stimulant which affects the Central Nervous System (CNS) and is said to be a psychoactive substance, one which makes the senses alert. Theobromine is a substance known to be found in chocolates and cacao plants. They are used to stimulate the muscles of the heart and the nervous system. It is in fact said to be a heart stimulant, a substance known to improve the physical function of the heart. Phenyethylamine is said to be an anti-depressant. Consumption makes one feel less depressed and their moods notably elevated.
Imagine the effects induced by these aforementioned substances: heart stimulant, happiness, a general feeling of elation, a bit jumpy and slightly giddy. The correlation to love, romance and lust is never far behind.
While there had been no study which directly proves the correlation of chocolates as aphrodisiacs or as a sexual stimulant, it can not be completely said that there is no correlation. Considering the effects the substances in chocolate produce in the body, the sexual stimulating effect is not too far behind. Also, it has to be kept in mind than when individuals collectively believe an idea, the idea is spear headed by a placebo effect which allows for the influence of the effect caused by the substance, in this case chocolates as aphrodisiac.
Chocolates, whether they are scientifically proven as aphrodisiacs or not, are always an excuse. There is always a good reason to consume chocolate: for endorphins to induce happiness, for its aphrodisiac effects, and even just because.