LINDSEY BOERMA
Living Assistant
It is the perfect indulgence as a reward for a job well done. It is the ultimate breakup remedy. It can be given as a gift in virtually any situation.
That’s right— it’s chocolate.
Although chocolate is appreciated worldwide for its various forms for consumption, many people are unaware of the background of this delectable treat.
According to the Chicago Field Museum’s Web site called “All About Chocolate” (branching from the museum’s unique exhibit devoted entirely to chocolate), the potential of the cacao tree was discovered 2,000 years ago by the Classic Period Maya in the tropical rainforests of Central America.
The people of Mesoamerica would obtain the seeds from pods on the tree and harvest, ferment, roast and grind them into a paste. Then, unlike to the forms of chocolate that we often see today, they would mix it with spices to create what they believed to be a sacred beverage.
It wasn’t until the Spanish discovered the cacao that sugar was added, and it became the lure for many a sweet tooth.
Students say that they appreciate the sweet, rich and unique flavor that chocolate brings to their palates.
But what is it that experts say draws people to the delicacy?
Katherine McCune, a registered dietician at the Pepperdine Counseling Center, said, “There are several natural enzymes in chocolate that are beneficial. It also has a high satiety value, which means that it’s very satisfying. In food science terms, it has a very pleasant mouth feel, because it’s smooth and creamy.”
Also, many people believe that because chocolate contains phenylethylamine, which is the same chemical that the human brain emits when the body is experiencing emotional pleasure, chocolate can give people the feeling that we often relate to “being in love.”
However, the body breaks down the chemical when it is present in food so quickly that it never even enters the bloodstream. Thus, scientists conclude that the “high” that people experience after eating chocolate is merely psychological, and cannot contribute to any kind of addiction.
The belief that chocolate is an emotionally stimulating, however, is not the only myth regarding the substance’s side effects.
One of the more popular pieces of folklore is that chocolate can cause cavities.
According to a recent study by Osaka University in Japan, cacao actually contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay.
Furthermore, there is not sufficient evidence to support the beliefs that chocolate can cause acne, hyper activeness or headaches.
Regarding the health features of chocolate, research shows that it can actually boost health and help increase your lifespan, as it is heart-healthy, will not raise cholesterol and contains nutrients and antioxidants.
“The latest and greatest news regarding health factors is that dark chocolate almost works like aspirin to thin blood and prevent blood clots,” McCune said. “In fact, a small amount of dark chocolate is sometimes recommended for people with diabetes.”
But not all chocolate rumors are false. Chocolate, particularly milk chocolate, is high in saturated fat, sugar and calories, which can lead to weight gain.
On the other hand, some stereotypes, including chocolate as a symbol of romance, have been accepted throughout history. Today, chocolate is a common gift on the day that has been set aside for love — St. Valentine’s Day.
“I think chocolate is better on Valentine’s Day because whoever gave it to you probably liked you,” Pepperdine junior Caitlin Settlemoir said. “There’s actually thought behind it that way.”
Kyle Helf, a sophomore, agreed that chocolate has certainly come to represent the romantic holiday.
“It’s not that chocolate improves based on a calendar day, but it’s nice to get and to give,” he said. “It’s the commercialism behind it—chocolate in a heart-shaped box and flowers is what you’re supposed to do on Valentine’s Day.”
This tradition is not a recent development, however.
The Chicago Field Museum Web site also explains that after the Frenchman Charles duc d’Orleans sent love poems to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London on February 14, 1415, people immediately followed his example and began to send notes and chocolate to their loved ones on that date, as chocolate was said to lure loved ones.
This lure by chocolate is still believed to be prominent.
Courtney Chatterson, a sophomore international studies major, said, “I once agreed to go out with a guy that I didn’t like because he gave me three boxes of chocolate on Valentine’s Day.”
So, to students desiring to lure their loved ones this upcoming Valentine’s Day, there are numerous local shops known for their exquisite chocolate.
Some of these places include Coco Noche, Comparte’s Chocolatier or, for those willing to splurge, Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland.
For the more daring chocolate fanatics, there is an increasing number of chocolatiers — creators of handcrafted chocolate works — in the Southern California area.
These creative masters of the sweet may be found in various places around Los Angeles.
Pepperdine students craving some luscious chocolate do not have to look beyond Malibu limits, however. Sweet Blessings Candy, a shop located on Stuart Ranch Road, provides Malibu residents the opportunity to indulge in the beloved treat without leaving their own beachside comfort.
02-08-2007