Chocolate And Sex

I have heard many women joke about chocolate being the next best thing to sex. Some people think it a better alternative to sex. Since nobody I know or have read about engages in any kind of sexual activity with the chocolate itself, what is it about chocolate that causes such a response in people?

Is it the smell and taste of chocolate that sends our senses into a fiery frenzy, thereby recreating the sensory stimulation achieved during sex? Maybe it's the sugar rush attained after eating chocolate. Or maybe it's a combination of the sensual delight of chocolate combined with a chemical response in the body.

Obviously the latter reason is correct. When one eats chocolate, the body releases an amino acid that stimulates the brain to make phenyl ethylamine: the same chemical released when we fall in love. If one is looking for an endorphin rush, chocolate is the ticket. One can obviously enjoy this kind of rush without any societal stigmas, any commitment, and one can roll over and go to sleep immediately without fear of hurting a partner's feelings!

Chocolate as an Aphrodisiac

Have you ever stayed in a nice hotel and experienced a turn-down service? In the evening, the maids go around the rooms, they close the curtains, and they remove the main cover on the bed and turn down the sheets. In some hotels, they place a small flower on the pillow, or better yet, a fine piece of chocolate. Not only will the recipients enjoy a delicious chocolate kiss, they will experience falling in love all over again.

I know of some couples who use the discovery of chocolate on their pillows at home as a sign of readiness for sex. I suppose one could take that concept a stage further and give a partner additional signals. If there is a lot of chocolate on the pillow, one has a significant need for sex. Perhaps different chocolate types could stand for different types of sexual experience. Maybe Godiva could stand for a slow, quality experience, while a Hershey bar might suggest the need for a quick romp in the hay!

Many "sexperts" write about the placebo effect of aphrodisiacs. In other words if the brain believes a substance will act as an aphrodisiac, it will release the appropriate chemicals and create the desired result. I must admit I have eaten many an oyster, and never felt particularly aroused. Although the experience of eating oysters may be one of the more sensual eating experiences.

Chocolate and Dieting

Of course the two are incompatible. Although eating chocolate may quell an appetite for food, and stimulate an appetite for sex, typically we want to have more sex when we're feeling good about ourselves physically! If you're making an effort to get in shape, chocolate is one stimulant you can do without.

On a positive note, having sex burns up lots of calories. I wouldn't compare the calorie burning benefit to that of running five miles . . . However, some exercise is better than no exercise, wouldn't you agree?