It seems appropriate that chocolate is a favorite treat, especially for Valentine’s.
Why? Because it makes us feel good.
Now for us chocolate lovers, we know that already, please...
But do we know why other than,
"it tastes so good"?

There is actually a very good reason.
But before we go there.
February is also Heart Health Month.
And actually, a little chocolate can help that part of the heart health too.

Here is one very soulful reason we crave it.
The chemicals in chocolate affect our mood-hormones; serotonin, endorphins and phenylethylamine, which are the same hormones the body releases in response to romance. Serotonin is our anti-depressant hormone, the one that makes us feel good, emotionally stabile and calm. Endorphins make us feel enthusiastic and powerful. These are also released when you exercise. 

So is chocolate as good for you as romance? Not quite, I do suggest that you develop a heartfelt relationship with both yourself and others as the main source of feel good "food" for your wholeness, as well as an exercise or movement routine.
And then just have chocolate as a little extra treat from time to time.

The history and health facts of the yummy
(very dark) chocolate.

This product from the cacao tree goes back to the Aztecs when the beverage was given to the Spanish conqueror Cortez, who subsequently took it home to Spain. The drink was very bitter and the Spanish added sugar instead of chilies, and also added cinnamon and vanilla. Chocolate as candy, how we know it, did not come around until the 1800's.

A large part of the allure is of course also the taste, which satisfies cravings for fat and carbohydrates. Avocado does give you this too but admittedly, does not have the same sinful satisfaction.

The fat in chocolate is a high concentration of stearic acid, which is a saturated fatty acid that has a neutral effect on cholesterol. This makes it a more heart healthy treat that other fatty food choices. According to a study, presented to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), cocoa polyphenols appear to relax the blood vessels, thus making blood flow more efficient and reducing the strain on the heart. "Large amounts are not a good idea", says Cathy Marshall, British Heart Foundation. There is also evidence to suggest that cocoa polyphenols act like antioxidants. Do however bear in mind that antioxidants are also found in fruit and vegetables and these have less calories...making them afterall a better choice.

Chocolate has lately been promoted as a power-food and it is indeed high in anti-oxidants and does contain a number of nutrients. Both essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium, copper and potassium, the significant flavonoids, and several vitamins, including  B1, B2, D, and E. The phytochemical plant pigments from flavonoids act as natural antioxidants and neutralize free radicals, that can damage the body, tissue, and cells. Dairy can however interfere with the absorption of these, which is why only dark chocolate offer the benefits. As mentioned above, the flavonoids also help improve blood-vessel flexibility, which is why dark chocolate can be the better treat for the heart over other candy and cakes. Note that I said better choice than other sugary treats. It is important that we don't draw the same conclusion here as the media normally does, "oh now I can eat chocolate as a health cure". Chocolate is not instead of food as our source of nourishment. We do have other choices than chocolate for a good source of antioxidants, namely green tea, fruit, vegetables and especially "leafy plant food".

What about the harmful effects?

Well, chocolate is a better and quite lovely treat compared to other candy, cookies, and cakes, which do not contain the same nutrients. However, we still do need to keep the calories in mind. The average chocolate bar contains approximately 250 calories, which is low enough to enjoy as an occasional treat instead of other sugary treats. A blueberry muffin or piece of apple pie can cost you about 400-550 calories.

Both cocoa and chocolate contain sugar, which is a health culprit. Chocolate is also a very intense and therefore extreme food for our bodies to “cope” with.