By: Muqadas Jabeen Ikram
Valentine’s Day is approaching. You might be planning something for your loved ones, which probably involves chocolates. It is a day associated with love and a cute reminder to express our feelings and emotions to those who matter the most. Flowers, cards, and romantic dinners are ways to celebrate this day, but chocolates hold a significant place.
We have a long history associated with chocolates. When was chocolate first associated with Valentine’s Day? For the first time, it was English chocolatier Richard Cadbury in the Victorian era who created a heart-shaped chocolate box for his beloved on Valentine’s Day. From that day, chocolates have become an iconic expression of love, which was used by different industrialists who invented their unique versions of chocolates to make money.
The primary ingredient of chocolate is cacao, or cocoa, extracted from the cacao plant. It is the main source of caffeine and antioxidants. Chocolates are mainly categorized into three types: dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. The most nutritious among them is dark chocolate, having a large number of polyphenols. Milk chocolates, on the other hand, are heavily processed and contain other additives and sweeteners that take away healthy compounds such as polyphenols & flavanols. The last one, the white chocolate, is just cocoa butter. It does not contain any cocoa solids. Therefore, it lacks important nutritious content.
Chocolates have become a sentiment for this day. They are the best treat for a sweet tooth. But when we talk about chocolates, the next thing that comes to mind is calories. It would be too general to say that chocolates make you gain weight. Today, we have discovered the profound benefits of eating chocolates regularly.
Chocolates are often associated with love. In addition to being a symbol of love, chocolates can give numerous health benefits to you.
1. Chocolate increases the production of feel-good hormones, which are serotonin and endorphin. It suppresses the production of the stress hormone, which is cortisol, and hence enhances the overall mood.
2. To your wonder, eating chocolate in a moderate quantity can make your skin more resilient and healthier. Chocolate contains flavanol, which is responsible for improving skin texture and preventing skin diseases.
3. Chocolate maintains your blood flow and normalizes high blood pressure. Flavanols in cocoa produce nitrous oxide, which widens the blood vessels.
4. As it lowers the blood pressure and opens up the vessels, your heart health improves and fends off all types of heart diseases.
5. Cocoa contains polyphenols. The polyphenol helps maintain your cholesterol level to normal because of the presence of stearic acid and oleic acid, which
are good for maintaining cholesterol levels.
It is no longer confined to love and indulgence. Today, chocolates have evolved into a symbol of care and affection. Chocolates are the most luxurious and timeless gift that never goes out of style. Whether it is a classic box of truffles or a long bar of dark chocolate, it has the power to connect two hearts. It is for the people who make our lives beautiful.
So, this Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to share the magic of chocolates and spread love in the sweetest way possible!