Valentines Day usually brings with it roses, cards, and chocolates. Although you may be dreading the calories you will be consuming, think of it more as a day to indulge. Chocolate is not actually as bad as it seems-yes it has sugar, and yes it has calories, but there are also health benefits to be had from this delicious treat as well.

An Aztec emperor named Montezuma is said to have been the first to discover the aphrodisiac qualities of chocolate, and since then people around the world have associated it with love and romance. Chocolate is made from cocoa beans that are found in the trunk and some of the lower branches of the cacao tree. The Mayan civilization worshipped the Cacao Tree, as it was thought it was divine, and “the food of the gods”. Montezuma is reported to have drank fifty goblets of chocolate daily in order to enhance his sexual abilities. Chocolate actually does affect human behavior, as it contains substances called serotonin and Phenyl ethylamine which basically make us feel good and lift our moods. When we are feeling things such as love, happiness, and passion, these chemicals are naturally released into our body. By eating chocolate, we are essentially mimicking these feelings on a more subtle level.  Chocolate also give us an energy boost and contains antioxidants. Studies show that women are more affected by chocolate than men are, as they are more sensitive to Serotonin and Phenyl ethylamine. Although the effects of chocolate may not be quite as strong as people have made them out to be in history, this food can definitely lift the spirits, and perhaps even arouse sexual desire.

Instead of feeling guilty about those chocolates lying around your office or given to your by your significant other that you are inevitable going to eat, indulge for a much deserved mid day mood boost- it is only one day out of the year.