Chocolates for Valentine

Chocolates for Valentine




The mere mention of February 14 causes hearts to pound and mouths to crave for that one delicious treat: chocolate.
The famed brown dessert has become symbol of love, romance, friendship, and affection.
In fact, it an even express more than words can say, be it a hearty "Thank you", sincere "I am sorry", a festive "Congratulations", and a wishful "Good luck".
But on Valentine's Day, it has one universal meaning: I LOVE YOU.

Statistics show that chocolate sales peak during Valentine's Day, proving that chocolate is a gift of choice over any other sweets or candy.
Consequently, another US survey revealed that 80 percent of women and 75 percent of men say they prefer to receive a box of chocolates as a Valentine gift.
This shows that chocolate has earned itself a stronghold on the taste buds of the most consumers. But like any other status symbol, it also has its critics.
Chocolate has received a dark reputation as a food that causes tooth decay, acne and blemishes; triggers migraines; and contributes to the problem of obesity.

So why give chocolates on Valentine's Day?
Chocolates as a favorite treat for Valentine have more of a social rather than physiological role.
Food, aside from its physiological role of giving energy, building tissues, and regulating body processes, performs other functions as well. Its social function denotes that food, as part of culture, can be a vehicle for expressing friendship and showing concern.
The type of food can be define the occasion.

Latest research indicates that dark chocolate contains flavonols, a type of antioxidant found in cocoa. Dr.Allan Handysides shared his recent findings on the beneficial effect of chocolates(Adventist Nutrition Conference, 2008) by saying that one ounce of dark chocolate-
meaning that a pure cocoa content of 75 percent or higher- promotes better blood flow to the heart and brain in the elderly.

The "very protective" antioxidants in chocolate and other diluted forms of cocoa. These facts mean that chocolate, in its original and bitter for, is a beneficial to health. However, in an attempt to make it taste creamier, richer, smoother, and more gratifying, commercial chocolate is produced with something etra-
that is, refined sugar, milk products, corn syrup, artificial flavoring, and other additives that transform an otherwise innocent and healthy treat into a sickeningly sweet mixture rich in fat, sugar, and calories.

Dolfin Belgian Chocolate Bars, Goya Dark Chocolate bar, Cadbury Bournville Fine Dark Chocolate, Godiva Caraques Dark Cocoa, and Hershey's Special Dark or Extra Dark Chocolates are few of the dark chocolates that are available in leading department stores or supermarkets.

There's nothing wrong with eating a little dark Chocolate as an ocassional treat especially on Valentine's Day. You can still allow yourself to indulge in that sense of anticipation when you receive a meticulously wrapped box, the pleasure of selling its delicate aroma, and that exquisite bliss that comes when the chocolaty goodness finally melts in your mouth.
But if eating chocolates has become a habit and uncontrollable cravings compel you to munch so sweet, then you might want to stop and think, because in large amounts, the cons definitely outweigh the pros.
Have a happy and healthy Valentine's Day!