Okay, so it’s mostly a marketer’s dream, but was there ever a ‘real meaning’ to celebrating St. Valentine? So-called experts can’t even agree which of the St. Valentine’s martyed over the centuries was responsible for inspiring the love-and-heart soaked observation. The best thing about Valentine’s Day for me is that it means there’s a lot of good chocolate circulating out there. So, even if you are celebrating by yourself (and you haven’t given up chocolate for Lent), down a slab or two of high-quality stuff for me. And here, courtesy of Purdy’s are more reasons to enjoy chocolate:
Karen Flavelle, President and Owner, Purdy’s Chocolates, offers her top ten reasons to give, receive, and enjoy special Purdy’s commemorative chocolates for Valentine’s Day. The Purdy’s top ten reasons to enjoy chocolate guilt-free:
1. It makes you feel great! A substance in chocolate called theobromine triggers the release of endorphins, chemicals produced by the brain, which act like natural anti-depressants, improving moods and temporarily relieving the “blues”.
2. Chocolate boasts essential vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, as well as calcium, fluorine, iron, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. Cocoa, the base product in chocolate, is actually the highest natural source of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, and menstrual tension.
3. Chocolate is a great source of antioxidants, ranking with the top fruits and vegetables for antioxidant content. In fact, chocolate has four times the antioxidant level to that of tea. Research has suggested that antioxidants in the blood stream may have the ability to neutralize cancer-causing free radicals and help prevent heart disease along with other degenerative diseases that come with aging.
4. Chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which are said to possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing properties. Flavonoids have a beneficial action on numerous physiological processes in the body and have been found to benefit the heart, blood vessels, liver, immune system, connective tissue, adrenal glands, kidneys, musculature, and the nervous system.
5. Chocolate does not raise blood cholesterol levels. Stearic acid, the predominant saturated fat in chocolate, is a unique saturated fatty acid. According to research, it has a neutral effect on blood cholesterol levels and unlike other saturated fats, it simply doesn’t increase cholesterol levels. More importantly though, fat remains part of a healthy, balanced diet and it has positive effects on your immune system, reducing susceptibility to infections and inflammation.
6. Chocolate eaters live longer than those who abstain. According to research, moderate consumption of chocolate – as well as other sweets – added almost a year to life expectancy.
7. Chocolate is lower in caffeine than is most commonly believed. A one-ounce piece of milk chocolate contains approximately the same amount of caffeine found in a cup of decaffeinated coffee.
8. Chocolate does not cause tooth decay. In fact, research has shown that cocoa and chocolate may actually have the ability to offset the acid-producing nature of the sugar they contain and since chocolate contains fat, it clears the mouth relatively faster than other candies. As a result chocolate may be less cavity causing. What’s more, a dark chocolate bar, with a high cocoa to sugar ratio, may actually discourage tooth decay.
9. Chocolate does not cause acne. In fact, many dermatologists, including the American Academy of Dermatology, doubt that diet plays any significant role in acne.
10. According to Italian researchers, women who eat chocolate regularly have a better sex life (higher level of desire) than those who deny themselves the treat. (Although this research may not be definitive, this “benefit” may stem from the fact that chocolate can have a positive impact on women’s moods.)
