By Melissa Arseneau
Chocolate contains HEALTHY chemicals! Thats right, fear not, your obscene love for chocolate has added health benefits! (It’s OK, tell your friends). In the case of healthy; it’s dark chocolate.
The Latin name for the cacao tree is Theobroma cacao. It comes straight from the Greek words for god (theo) and food (brosi), meaning “food of the gods”.
Phenylethylamine releases “pleasure” endorphins, which make us feel great all over. Kind of like how we feel when we are in love. Although chocolate should not to be mistaken for a “love substitute”, it is probably the best mass produced alternative.
Tryptophan, (also found in turkey), boosts the endorphins levels in the human brain and increases serotonin production. That just leads to elevated euphoria.
Theobromine is the most potent chemical compound in chocolate. It is an alkaloid, which have an important physiological effects on humans and other animals. Well-known alkaloids include morphine, strychnine, cocaine, ephedrine, and nicotine. In humans it is only a mild stimulant. But, be carefull not to go overboard; you’ll get a little twitchy.
Flavonoids are a great source of antioxidants, which are substances that prevent or delay some types of cell damage, and increase the flexibility of veins and arteries. About 2 oz of dark chocolate a day is said to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk for heart attack, and stroke by as much as one third.
Can you think of the other “naughty” consumption that is good for the old ticker? WINE! So, go out and pick up an assortment of chocolate, some berries, and some wine for you and your sweetie for a romantic, guilt free, night of taste testing.
What? Chocolate and wine together?
Pairing Suggestions:
Dark Chocolate
Typically doesn’t like to share ‘palate space’ with other bitter, non-sweet things, it’s the Diva of chocolates really.
Extra Dark (70%)
Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Barolo, Malbec
Medium Dark (60%)
Merlot, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Chianti, Rhone
Smooth Dark (54%)
Champagne, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Vintage Port
White Chocolate
Merlot, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Chianti, Rhone, Rosé Port, Orange Muscat, Moscato d’Asti, Vintage Port, Lambrusco (Dolce or Amabile), Brachetto d’Acqui
Milk Chocolate
Montilla-Moriles, Creamy Sherry, Rasteau, Vintage Port, Sherry, Dessert
Wines, Rose, Burgundy
theQuizzical 