By Tanisha Coleman (BPRW)
Chocolate is America’s favorite flavor. It’s delicious, sweet and satisfying. Just the mere mention of 3 Musketeers, Almond Joy, Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Godiva, Heath Bar, Kit Kat, Milky Way, Nestle Crunch, Snickers and Twix sends our taste buds into overdrive. We love chocolate, a common ingredient in many kinds of sweet treats such as candy, ice cream, cookies, cakes, and other desserts.
The scrumptious flavor of chocolate is enough to make many people become chocoholics, but what makes it so pleasurable? According to www.wikipedia.org, part of the pleasure of eating chocolate is due to the fact that its melting point is slightly below human body temperature: it melts in the mouth. Moreover, chocolate intake has been linked with release of serotonin in the brain, which produces feelings of pleasure.
The pleasure of eating chocolate is beyond measure – and so are the calories associated with it. We have to keep in mind that moderation is the key to healthy living, meaning we may not be able to indulge as often as we like. The good news is that chocolate can actually be good for your heart, as it has antioxidant-rich phytochemicals called flavanols, according to www.msnbc.msn.com. If that’s not enough, a new study associates eating dark chocolate with lowering blood pressure.
Although we eat chocolate just about anytime we want, there are certain holidays where the urge to indulge is stronger like Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Christmas. Well, July 7th is recognized as Chocolate Day. So, if you want to indulge, treat yourself to a little chocolate. One taste will remind you just how sweet it is!
