For many, chocolate is one of life's most enduring pleasures - yet it benefits us in ways you may not even be aware of.
Below is Ciocchino's guide to how chocolate can revitalise those parts of the body other foods can only dream of reaching....
Cocoa-components known as flavanols have been found to have a number of biochemical effects which help in the prevention and treatment of conditions such as heart disease.
The smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves, resulting in an enhanced state of relaxation.
Chocolate also contains phenyl ethylamine which is known to act as a mild mood elevator.
The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being.
Scientists think that chocolate contains chemicals that help keep blood vessels elastic and increase beneficial antioxidants in the bloodstream. Indeed, cocoa has nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine and up to three times those found in green tea.
Chocolate's reputation as an Aphrodisiac originated in South America over one thousand five hundred years ago, where it was thought to have mystical and aphrodisiac qualities by both the Mayan and Aztec cultures - the Aztec emperor, Montezuma drank fifty golden goblets of chocolate a day to enhance his sexual prowess!
Having your body coated in chocolate is as popular as ever. All you have to do is find a salon which offers chocolate massages, chocolate facials, and a chocolate body rub. Many claim chocolate’s built-in antioxidants help protect the skin from free-radicals, pollution, sun damage, and alcohol consumption
The practice of smearing small amounts of chocolate on the underside of the wrists was introduced by pseudo-intellectuals in the 1960's who believed it to be more potent than perfume
