Why Women Love Chocolate

Women eat a lot of chocolate. We have a self-confessed love for it. Some men understand this and buy chocolate as gifts (great - he's probably a keeper). Some even buy it for their lady as a form of tranquiliser but we'll come to PMS later.

What is it about chocolate that we love and let's be honest - crave. It's the sort of craving that will get you out of bed at three o'clock in the morning to search for that bar you hid in the kitchen. Or is that just me? Nah - we're all in this together, girls! And while we're on the subject, who are these strange women who can keep a bar of chocolate in the fridge and eat it one square at a time. Hmmm. Something really wrong there. Anyhow, let's look at why chocolate affects us the way it does. And drool over some lovely pictures of our great love.

It can't all be down to the divine sensation of chocolate slowly melting in your mouth, can it?

All women know this. It's a fact. But why does it affect how we feel?

It's been medically proven that when you eat chocolate, it increases the levels of serotonin in your brain. Chocolate contains theobromine and phenethylamine which both work to increase serotonin.

What is seratonin? It's a neurotransmitter that works on the feelings of well being and happiness. Many anti-depressants work by increasing serotonin levels and chocolate does the same.

Serotonin levels tend to drop in women during the seven to ten days before their menstrual period. This is just one of the reasons why we crave chocolate - especially at that time. Our body is telling us to find a way of upping those pesky serotonin levels.

If you find that your choccy cravings are particularly strong prior to your period, it could be that you have a low level of dopamine. This can make it difficult to concentrate, give you a short attention span and make you unreasonably grumpy. Does this sound familiar? If you feel like this, it can make you feel very stressed. Increasing your serotonin levels can help to reduce stress. So now you have a double excuse to indulge. Blame it on the serontonin and dopamine.

Chocolate contains caffeine, fat and sugar but it also has important trace minerals, like magnesium. During a woman's period, she can be low in magnesium which is yet another reason why you may really crave that chocolate bar.

Even when you're not PMS'ing, chocolate is often used as a comfort food for the very same reasons. If you are suffering emotional anguish, low self esteem or just feel blue - your serotonin levels need a boost. This is why many women (especially 'emotional' eaters) turn to chocolate during times of upset or stress.

A study showed a third of women dream about chocolate during the day whereas only 11% of men do.

Some researchers think that this is because chocolate releases dopamine (a substance which peaks during orgasm) in the female brain.

It has also been discovered that Chocolate affects the brains of men and women in different ways. MRI scans were taken of the brains of both men and women and the results showed that chocolate affected activity in the amygdala of women much more than men.

The Amygdala is a part of the brain that can affect emotions and sexual desire.

I rest my case m'lud. Pass the chocolate...

Chocolate has always been considered to be an aphrodisiac. Chocolate definitely makes us feel great and that can only help us to have a good sex life.

Chocolate can also be used in the bedroom. Many couples use chocolate body paints to bring some extra fun into the bedroom. Sex and chocolate - what a dynamic combination!

If you fancy giving it a go, you don't even have to look far. We've done all the hard work for you. Just look below!

Q : What is a flavonoid?

A : It's a plant-based compound with powerful antioxidant properties

Dark chocolate (over 70 per cent cocoa solids) contains a high amount of flavoniods...so it's practically a health food!

Flavoniods can help to prevent cholesterol from collecting in blood vessels. This, in turn, can reduce the risk of blood clots, which in turn, reduces the chance of a stroke or heart attack.

Cocoa is rich in a flavonoid called polyphenol antioxidant. Scientists have found that the amount of antioxidants in cocoa is

almost twice that of red wine

two to three times that of green tea or

and four times that of black tea

While researching this Hub, I came across a very interesting thing. Just look at this Google Search that I did...

Chocolate, shoes, Ryan Gosling and Gay Men...hmmm.

Well, I'd like you to really enjoy this lens so here they all are.

The first two are combined. Chocolate + shoes = chocolate shoes.

Is chocolate as necessary as breathing to you?