What in chocolate makes it an aphrodisiac?

As far as we know, the first European to be served with a hot chocolate drink was the Spanish explorer, Hernando Cortez (1485 - 1547). When he first tasted this spicy drink, he was at the court of the Aztec emperor, Montezuma II. This drink was a far cry from the ubiquitous hot drinking chocolate we have today. It was made with ground cocoa beans, cayenne pepper, vanilla, cinnamon, and black pepper. Since there was no cane sugar at that time in Central America, it may have been sweetened, (if it was), with honey. Sugarcane was not introduced to the South American continent until the mid-16th century. Montezuma is famous for having a miraculous sexual appetite, and the Aztecs believed this could be attributed to the cocoa bean and drink. It is said that the emperor drank many cups of hot chocolate, which fueled the belief that he was an aphrodisiac. Thus the evidence for the relationship between chocolate and sexual performance enhancement is merely anecdotal. So, this is where the belief that chocolate is an aphrodisiac has its origins. But is there any scientific evidence for this claim? Scientists say two substances in chocolate and cocoa beans may increase sexual desire. One is tryptophan, which is a precursor to the feel-good chemical serotonin. The second substance is phenylethylamine, an amphetamine-like stimulant. The last substance, phenylethylamine is released in the brain when people fall in love. These substances are present in chocolate of all kinds in small doses, so it is very unlikely that chocolate actually has any aphrodisiac qualities. Dark chocolate has marginally more than milk and white chocolate, it seems. Scientists have investigated these claims, but have not found any evidence to prove their validity. However, most people do not deny that eating chocolate, and letting it melt in your mouth, is a very pleasurable sensation. When we feel good, and are warm and comfortable, we may be open to the possibilities of excitement. If you are not comfortable and warm, you are probably not in the mood for any kind of alliance. Think of all the movies you've seen when a couple lies in front of a wood fire on a sheepskin rug and ends up in each other's arms. Chocolate is not an aphrodisiac according to scientists, but because it makes us feel good and relaxed, there is some circumstantial evidence to suggest, however false, that chocolate is an aphrodisiac. Maybe we should all indulge in more chocolate and see what happens! If you found this article interesting, please check out this site, http://www.herbs-treatandtaste.blogspot.com. You will find information about the food we eat and how plants can be used as medicine. There are also some good fusion recipes to try (combine Mediterranean and Asian recipes). All articles are well thought out and the information they contain is reliable.