A Square of Chocolate a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Chocolate, in all of its variations—white, milk, dark—is a luscious, sexy, delicious treat. It has been associated with feelings of well-being, relaxation, euphoria, and most commonly, feelings of being in love—some even consider it an aphrodisiac. Recently in the news,  there are claims that chocolate improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure and may lower LDL cholesterol.

Chocolate comes from the theobroma cacao (or cocoa) tree. Facts-about-chocolate.com explains the different types of chocolate. White chocolate is not technically one of the types of chocolate, because it does not contain any chocolate liquor. White chocolate must contain at least 20 percent cocoa butter and 14 percent milk, plus sugar in varying amounts. Milk chocolate contains at least 10 percent chocolate liquor, plus cocoa butter and sugar in varying amounts, and at least 12 percent milk (milk, cream, milk powder, etc). Dark chocolate (also referred to as bittersweet or semisweet) contains at least 35 percent chocolate liquor, plus cocoa butter and sugar in varying amounts. Stores such as Whole Foods in Town and Country offer dark chocolates with a higher percentage of cocoa or liquor. The higher the amount of chocolate liquor and less milk, sugar and cocoa butter, the more magnified the healing properties. The Mayo Clinic suggests about six grams of dark chocolate with 60 percent cocoa.

The word chocolate comes from the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs, who made a drink from the cacao called xocolatl. Xocolatl means bitter water.

The Hershey Company shows how they create chocolate from the beans: The beans are actually quite bitter and need to be fermented for about one week to develop the flavor. The beans are then dried, cleaned, roasted and hulled. Hulling separates the nib from the shell, and that is what is used to make chocolate. The nibs are then milled, turning them into chocolate liquor. The liquor is then mixed with cocoa butter, milk and sugar in varying amounts to make specific kinds of chocolate.

Chocolate causes the release of certain neurotransmitters, which can affect one's mood. Eating chocolate increases the level of endorphins, which help to reduce stress and lessen pain, as well as serotonin. Serotonin is a known antidepressant. Phenylethylamine, another neurotransmitter released, causes changes is blood pressure, quickening pulse rates, and leads to feelings of excitement and alertness. Phenylethylamine is the neurotransmitter associated with the feeling of being in love. Anandamide is a component found in chocolate, and its properties are similar to those found in tetrahydrocannabinol or marijuana. Anandamide increases the production of dopamine, which creates a feeling of well-being. However, it does not have the same effect as tetrahydrocannabinol. It would take huge amounts of chocolate to create a similar sense of elation. Another component is theobromine, which is said to lead to mental and physical relaxation. Faqs.org explains these mood and food relationships.  

Eating chocolate in moderation may make you happier and healthier. Enjoy.  

For those of you wanting to indulge in a sweet treat, here is a recipe for a chocolate tart:

Dark Chocolate Tart
Ingredients

1 storebought graham cracker crust or (If using the pie crust, bake and cool.)
8 ounces dark chocolate
1/4 cup sugar
14 + 2 ounces heavy cream
4 ounces white chocolate

Method

1. Melt the dark chocolate and sugar in a water bath, stirring until smooth. Add 14 ounces of heavy cream until thickened. Cool (do not let it set).
2. In the microwave, about 10 seconds at a time, melt the white chocolate. When melted whisk in two ounces of heavy cream.
3. Pour the dark chocolate mixture into the baked tart shell. Then drizzle the white chocolate mixture in a swirling pattern into the dark chocolate.
4. Lightly drag a knife through the chocolate to make abstract designs.
5. Chill in the refrigerator until the filling is set.
6. Garnish with chocolate curls if desired.