Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, had such an impact on society that every drug, food, or potion that arouses sexual desire has been labelled an aphrodisiac. Chocolate can be considered a luxury, an indulgence, even a delicacy. But can it accurately be classified as an aphrodisiac?
The mysterious link between chocolate and desire has fascinated mankind throughout history. In fact, over 500 years ago the Aztec emperor, Montezuma, was believed to devour an abundance of cocoa before engaging in romance with secret lovers. Modern scientists have been analyzing the properties of chocolate to determine if it really arouses and intensifies sexual desire.
To begin with, the melting point of chocolate is just beneath the temperature of the human body, causing it to melt upon contact with the mouthÂ-a phenomenon that can alone bring on sensual reactions and pleasure.
Chemically, analyzing the composition of chocolate can also lend insight into its aphrodisiacal qualities. Exploring the scientific structure of chocolate has lead researchers to focus on two main chemicals in chocolate: tryptophan and phenethylamine. Tryptophan is a crucial component in the production of serotonin, a chemical associated with intense moods and sexual cravings.
Phenethylamine is commonly allied with amphetamine, a chemical released when one falls in love and is also linked with excitability and an increased sense of euphoria. Perhaps it is phenethylamine that causes the deep pleasure associated with chocolate.
Analysis of these chemicals suggests that chocolate does have sex-enhancing properties. However, it is crucial to highlight further significant aspects: the breakdown of such chemicals in the body and the amount of these chemicals present in chocolate.
For instance, phenethylamine is immediately metabolized in the body, preventing any considerable concentrations from influencing the brain. This eliminates this substance as a potential solution to the chocolate and sex dilemma. Many studies also show that the quantity of phenethylamine in chocolate is not substantial enough to have any significant effect on sexual appetite.
It may be more realistic to attribute chocolate's sexual influence to mental rather than physical factors. Psychologically, we experience a certain level of ecstasy merely from the taste of chocolate and the pleasure of its consumption. For instance, the act of giving chocolate as a gift is associated with being loved, the quality of chocolate is associated with prestige, and the combination of sex and chocolate is associated with pleasure. There are endless explanations for humanity's mental obsession with chocolate.
So, can a chocolate a day keep a low sex drive away? Perhaps. Despite the tendency to discard chocolate from the list of scientifically tested aphrodisiacs, it is highly pleasurable from a psychological perspective. Chocolate's sexual properties may be dismissible, but its mental impact is undeniable.
2008 Woodie Awards
Be the first to comment on this story