Chocolate

Author: CompleteEditions
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: "Strength is the ability to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands and then eat just one of them." — Judith Viorst, American poet and essayist [Sweet Temptation] Chocolate and Romance: For a long time, chocolate and sexuality have been inseparable bedtime companions. Archaeologists have found that several centuries ago, chocolate played a significant role in the lives of the elite Maya, especially in gifts. Moctezuma II, the last Aztec emperor, ruled from the early 16th century and drank 50 cups of chocolate daily to maintain his vitality for late-night activities. In the 18th century, the famous "roguish" Casanova (whose name became synonymous with "romantic escapades") firmly believed in the power of chocolate in sexual pleasure. Today, it might be hard to understand, but a cup of hot chocolate was indeed his favorite stimulant before bed. More notably, in men's eyes, chocolate seemed to hold a special allure for women. A delicious chocolate dessert, a tempting chocolate candy, a bucket of refined champagne truffles, or even rhythmically gnawing on a few chocolate pieces—the fragrant aroma, refreshing texture, and absolute obsession with chocolate have won the hearts of countless women (and more than just that). Chocolate's ability to entice is scientifically supported. It releases a chemical compound called phenylethylamine in the body, which is easily found in the brain. It reacts with another compound called dopamine, which is found in the brain's pleasure center, causing blood pressure to rise, heart rate to quicken, and intense sensations. Thus, it's no surprise that a few bites of chocolate can stir passion and desire. Throughout its development, chocolate was once considered one of the sources of illicit temptation. In the spring of 1712, when human instincts began to stir and awareness of sexuality was in its infancy, the London magazine The Spectator published the following warning: "To our faithful readers, we must advise extreme caution—do not touch those dangerous things like romantic stories, chocolate, novels, etc." Of course, this was when chocolate was merely a beverage. When large chocolate bars appeared in mid-19th century, the temptation became more obvious and dazzling. The unique aroma of chocolate entered lipsticks and perfumes, also showcasing its charm to men. Thierry Mugler's "Angel" and Gucci's "Rush" perfumes both feature a chocolate scent—the fragrance of chocolate and vanilla combined is irresistible.