—Lora Brody, author of Growing Up on the Chocolate Diet

If you haven’t heard that chocolate is an aphrodisiac, then you’ve been living under a rock. Either that, your sex life is so great you’ve never considered upping the ante. I have a hard time believing either excuse and since it is that time of year—yes, the month of love when Cupid comes out to play—I’ll give you a little lesson on this magical, centuries-old, silky concoction.

Chocolate has a reputation rich in history, embedded deep in Western civilization and reaching far beyond written history, all the way back into the deepest throngs of our ancient oral traditions. When chocolate first arrived on the scene, it came surrounded by an intimate aura that was due mainly in part to its delicate nature. For centuries, chocolate was worth its weight in pure gold.

Its history, like most aphrodisiacs, is riddled with myth and folklore, but the idea has reigned supreme from the beginning. In the late 20 th century, these myths were proven by a series of studies that showed how chocolate’s properties do, in fact, have a significant affect on stimulation, on hormones, brain chemicals, and physical energy all relative to sexual arousal and intercourse.

Chocolate is the champion of all aphrodisiacs. It is the most commonly referred to and most easily accepted of the exotic erotica. Chocolate contains the enzyme known as phenyl ethylamine, or PEA, which is believed to be the energy behind its sexual bearings. PEA is believed to release the same rush of hormones as the act of sexual intercourse. But, chocolate has a few other factors helping it along. Many naysayers object to the idea that there is enough PEA in chocolate to produce significant results. So to combat these disbelievers, chocolate enthusiasts have found even more ammunition. Chocolate also contains high doses of seratonin and theobromine, along with other significant components we will discuss later.

PEA and seratonin are mood-lifting chemicals that occur naturally in the human brain and are released into the nervous system when we feel pleasure related to love, lust, arousal, and passion. This is similar to the feeling that runners get called the “runners’ high” and can be observed in human behavior. When we ingest chocolate, the PEA and seratonin are released into the body simulating these same feelings that can occur naturally. These feelings cause a rapid change in mood, as well as an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. In some ways, chocolate is like Cupid’s arrow. These feelings mimic the thoughts you have when you are not only falling in love, but the physical affects you have when you are making love.

Theobromine acts as a stimulant, which is very similar to that of caffeine. Theobromine gives the body an instant energy boost and increases stamina. Sugar, which is almost always added to cocoa to make chocolate, is another stimulant that increases stamina, giving the body an almost instantaneous “rush.” Theobromine and sugar work together in providing the body with energy. It is no wonder why chocolate has been given the reputation of being an aphrodisiac.

The cacao tree, from which chocolate is derived, was worshipped by the Mayans because they believed that it was divine in origin. Its Latin name, theobrom cacao, means “food of the gods.” If it was good enough for the gods, it was certainly good enough for the Mayans. Myth has it that Montezuma, the great Aztec ruler who was infamous for his love conquests, consumed as much as 50 cups of chocolate elixir before heading off to his harem. Another famous myth has it that Casanova was rumored to have consumed chocolate before frolicking with his many conquests. He notoriously called chocolate the “elixir of love.”

The Aztecs believed that chocolate invigorated men while lessening female inhibitions. Chocolate was later introduced to Europe by Spartan conquistadors who used it as a hot drink for obtaining strength. This particular strength myth, however, is the most debatable of all. Recent studies suggest that the chemicals found in chocolate—PEA, seratonin and theobromine—have more physical effects on woman than men. I guess those famous lovebirds should have shared their lusty treats with their women.

Three other chemicals and theories are used to explain why chocolate makes people feel superior. Researchers at the Neuroscience Institute in San Diego, California believe that chocolate contains a chemical substance that is created by the brain, called anandaminde, and is associated with a natural “high” in humans. Ingesting chocolate, and hence this substance, is said to create a good feeling associated with consuming chocolate.

Here’s another great reason and excuse to feast on chocolate. Eating two ounces (50 grams) a day of dark chocolate with a minimum content of 70 percent chocolate solids can be beneficial to health, providing protection against heart disease, high blood pressure, and many other health hazards as well as essential trace elements and nutrients such as iron, calcium and potassium, and vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E. A one-and-a-half ounce square of chocolate may have as many cancer-fighting antioxidants as a five-ounce glass of red wine. All that medical jargon and statistics aside, let’s get down to the most important element all those facts provide. A healthy body, healthy spirit, and healthy mind equal a very healthy sex life and a very happy partner to boot.

“It's not that chocolates are a substitute for love. Love is a substitute for chocolate. Chocolate is, let's face it, far more reliable than a man,” said Miranda Ingram. On that note, Happy Valentine’s Day to all. Whether you have a mate or are living single, this seems to be proof that chocolate can make you feel better in either scenario. If you’re single, grab some velvety treats to make you feel good and if you’re a couple, pick up a box to help you slip into the mood.