fantasy
Chocolate bath? Why not!
Read this:
Chocolate may just be good, according to a recent study.
Italian researchers found that women who ate chocolate on a daily basis had higher libidos than those who didn't. They also found that chocolate-fed women had better sexual arousal and more sexual satisfaction. Their scientific conclusion: The craving of choice for many women has some real benefits for our sex lives.
While science is just catching up, the Mayans and the Aztecs knew this as far back as 600 A.D. They believed that cocoa was the food of the gods. They ground it into a paste and consumed it as a rich, frothy beverage. Hot chocolate, anyone? Cocoa was among the most expensive of foods. The liquid chocolate was so sacred it was reserved for nobility and religious ceremonies only.
Thankfully, we have plenty of access to chocolate in the modern day. Candies, drinks and cakes, you name it and you can find this once-rare substance just about anywhere you look. But it's important to balance chocolate's benefits against its perils. And I'm not just talking about the risk of eating an entire box of chocolates left over from Valentine's Day. Too much chocolate can make you gain weight, which is definitely not a boost for your sex life (or your health). Like all things delicious, moderation is the key. Not to mention that just because it's chocolate doesn't mean it has to have sugar. The candy counters are overflowing with chocolate options that are sugar-free.
Chocolate's sexy power comes from its psychoactive properties. The head researcher of the Italian study even went so far as to compare it to a drug, rather than a food. In fact, chocolate contains small quantities of anandamide, a cannabinoid found naturally in the brain. But the real substance that makes chocolate so sensually pleasing is an ingredient known as phenylethylamine, or PEA. This substance releases dopamine in the brain's pleasure-centers. Dopamine also, coincidentally, surges during orgasm. Like it, chocolate works chemically to usher in feelings of euphoria, excitement and contentment.
Maybe it is chocolate's unique combination of good chemistry and good taste that helps explain its allure. Eating creamy, sweet chocolate is a sensory experience, much like good sex. It is a delightful form of foreplay to nibble on a decadent chocolate dessert together. In fact, chocolate seems to be good for the heart in general. Dark chocolate contains plant substances called polyphenols, the ingredients scientists think are responsible for the heart-healthy attributes of red wine. Polyphenols also have been shown to lower blood pressure.
So the next time you're feeling guilty about your sweet tooth, you can give in to your craving. As long as you choose chocolate, your health -- and your sex life -- will benefit.
Laura Berman, Ph.D., is a sex therapist and director of Chicago's Berman Center (www.bermancenter.com; 800-709-4709). Have a topic you'd like to see addressed in a future column? E-mail drberman@suntimes.com
HuH now who is thinking of atkins diet?
Read this:
Chocolate may just be good, according to a recent study.
Italian researchers found that women who ate chocolate on a daily basis had higher libidos than those who didn't. They also found that chocolate-fed women had better sexual arousal and more sexual satisfaction. Their scientific conclusion: The craving of choice for many women has some real benefits for our sex lives.
While science is just catching up, the Mayans and the Aztecs knew this as far back as 600 A.D. They believed that cocoa was the food of the gods. They ground it into a paste and consumed it as a rich, frothy beverage. Hot chocolate, anyone? Cocoa was among the most expensive of foods. The liquid chocolate was so sacred it was reserved for nobility and religious ceremonies only.
Thankfully, we have plenty of access to chocolate in the modern day. Candies, drinks and cakes, you name it and you can find this once-rare substance just about anywhere you look. But it's important to balance chocolate's benefits against its perils. And I'm not just talking about the risk of eating an entire box of chocolates left over from Valentine's Day. Too much chocolate can make you gain weight, which is definitely not a boost for your sex life (or your health). Like all things delicious, moderation is the key. Not to mention that just because it's chocolate doesn't mean it has to have sugar. The candy counters are overflowing with chocolate options that are sugar-free.
Chocolate's sexy power comes from its psychoactive properties. The head researcher of the Italian study even went so far as to compare it to a drug, rather than a food. In fact, chocolate contains small quantities of anandamide, a cannabinoid found naturally in the brain. But the real substance that makes chocolate so sensually pleasing is an ingredient known as phenylethylamine, or PEA. This substance releases dopamine in the brain's pleasure-centers. Dopamine also, coincidentally, surges during orgasm. Like it, chocolate works chemically to usher in feelings of euphoria, excitement and contentment.
Maybe it is chocolate's unique combination of good chemistry and good taste that helps explain its allure. Eating creamy, sweet chocolate is a sensory experience, much like good sex. It is a delightful form of foreplay to nibble on a decadent chocolate dessert together. In fact, chocolate seems to be good for the heart in general. Dark chocolate contains plant substances called polyphenols, the ingredients scientists think are responsible for the heart-healthy attributes of red wine. Polyphenols also have been shown to lower blood pressure.
So the next time you're feeling guilty about your sweet tooth, you can give in to your craving. As long as you choose chocolate, your health -- and your sex life -- will benefit.
Laura Berman, Ph.D., is a sex therapist and director of Chicago's Berman Center (www.bermancenter.com
HuH now who is thinking of atkins diet?
posted by Nooni at 5:45 PM
9 Comments:
All this long article just to reach a conclusion known to almost everyone?
Sex and chocolates! Ahhh, where should I start?
A certain event that took place last week, perhaps?
Oh, I love some chocolate for breakfast!
eee so you get pimples all over your body :P
antiseptic : chocolate worth it dont you think?
Purg: then why the hell we work out?????
Hello, Nooni;
Chocolate is always worth it.
Now, would you like to hear about my story, I have pictures!!
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes antiseptic
Nooni,
I fear if I include the very naughty pix,, I’ll soon follow Mr. Abu 7afs into the nexus of blogworld oblivion :-<
OK, maybe Aathar il-Jareemah!
Everything in due time!
And,
STOP CALLING ME ANTI-SEPTIC! Or no more dedications and chocolates!
why antiseptic you dont like it from me :( ana nooni ana ily ana hathak \ :(
While it is unlikely given your current location, then again, you know about the Chicago Sun-Times, so what the Hey, I feel obliged to mention to such a chocolate lover as yourself that every year on Valentines Day Weekend (Feb 14th) or thereabouts,
the Chicago Park District's Garfield Park Conservatory has its Annual Chocolate Festival.
The Festival runs for two days has a "suggested" donation of $1 U.S. and has representatives from 10-12 chocolate manufacturers giving away FREE samples of chocolate for those willing to stand in line for them.
Of course, if you want to join the conservatory you get a goody bag with even more.
The conservatory is rich and lush, warm and wet in Chicago's winter and as well as live Chocolate trees and lots of exhibits about chocolate, there is a LOT to see plant wise.
So if you are ever in Chi-town thenabouts, it is a do not miss. Otherwise, check out the Ghiradelli Chocolate shop and soda fountain across from Water Tower place on Michigan Avenue.
My Blog has a slideshow about our new millenium park btw.
And as for pimples. Pace yourself. Pace yourself. And wash your face a lot with soap and water.
Peter
Great Blog! I also have a site about chemical reations of making chocolate
. You can check it out at chemical reations of making chocolate
Also, as a thank you for visiting my site, I'd like to tell you about a great site that is giving away a FREE DVD Camcorder! Just click the following link and enter your Zipcode to see if the promotion is available in your area!
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