Probably over the years you've all heard how chocolate is supposedly an aphrodisiac and has euphoric properties.

I just got done reading an interesting article about chocolate -- growing it, processing it, its effects on our nervous system, etc. Anyway, below are several tidbits I found interesting and thought this group might enjoy as well:

The dark red pod growing on the cocao tree was apparently originally picked for the sweet, juicy, white pulp around the seeds.  The unappetizing raw seeds were discarded.  

Later methods were found (fermenting, drying, agitation) to process the seeds and make a chocolate beverage. The best of our knowledge is that the word "cocao" first appeared in the vocabulary of the Olmec people over a thousand years ago.  The Mayas used cacao seeds to make the cold bitter drink they called chocalatl. Both Mayas and Aztecs used cocao seeds as currency, and warriors were given chocolate drinks to fortify them for battle.

Gonzalo Oviedo, a Spanish chronicler in the mid-1500s reported that in Nicaragua a rabbit could be purchased for ten beans, a horse or mule for fifty beans.  "There are public women...who yield themselves to whomever they like for ten cocao beans." Hmm...the same price as buying a rabbit!

In Europe the chocolate drink was made more palatable by the addition of sugar and cinnamon.  Of course today we eat chocolate candy and associate it with love.  I'll quote the lady writing the article verbatim here, "Whatever the chemicals responsible for its attractiveness, consumption of chocolate is undeniably a pleasurable experience for those of us with the appropriate receptors.  But are chocolates more pleasurable than the company of the gentleman delivering them?  Hmm...let me ponder the question while I have another chocolate."

So...what is your input about chocolate?

All I need is a cute woman acting like she wants me. Thats the best  aphrodisiac for me. But chocolate is nice too, but only because it tastes good.

I'm not a coffee drinker and I don't like dark chocolate but I LOVE milk chocolate in various forms, like Reeses Nutrageous and Sticks, basic chocolate cake, brownies, etc....  

Outside of the pure enjoyment of the taste, I've never experienced any other feelings or anything when eating it.

Peace...

I know I'm one of the few who don't get a craving for chocolate. Occasionally I like a butterfingers or snickers but that's once in a blue moon.
~CarleeofArizona

Now there is an aphrodisiac!!!!  Strawberries diped in Dark chocolate is also a lot of fun. Especially when shared with the right lady!!!!

"According to a Cornell study, the fruit from which chocolate is made may have great health benefits. Cocoa beverages have a high level of antioxidants, which have been touted to prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease and to decrease the effects of aging. Cocoa scored two to three times higher than green tea and four to five times higher than black tea. The researchers noted that chocolate bars also provide antioxidants, although their high saturated fat may offset any benefits. The scientists also noted they do not yet know the optimum amount of cocoa that should be consumed."
2/10/04 Stanford Daily Online



ALSO:
http://www.reed-electronics.com/epp/article/CA267493?industryid=2705

-- Modified on 5/4/2004 11:28:02 AM

my princely figure over chocolate anyday.

have not taken away my wrinkles. Darn it!  I thought they were high in anti-oxidents.

Hugs,
Ciara

Ahhh yes, memories...

That definitely depends on who gets to eat the chocolate first ? Me or the gent who brought it... Hmmm also depends on where it is placed and eaten from... syrup is one of my favorite forms... though my all time fav chocolate fix is that creamy chocolate whipped topping in a spray can... Yummmy

Ever try the chocolate dip for nips?

Oh, I'm crushed!  

(Ok, not really... )

So, what *does* do it for ya?  

Peace...

So, I should bring a box o' chocolates with me if we ever meet?  

Peace...

Oh behave!  I've never had chocolate whipped topping... sounds intriguing... especially when pictured on your nubile form...

Peace...

Some one told me there are chocolate dildos in sex shops. Is that true?

Ohhhh.  Yeah, the candy is nice too.......