Cocoa And Chocolate Mmmm

has been thought to improve male sexual function for hundreds of years

There are certain foods which are traditionally associated with sexual performance and one of them is dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has very high levels of cocoa in it which has been thought to improve male sexual function for hundreds of years in Europe since it was “discovered” by the Spanish Conquistadors when they overran the Mexican Aztec Empire. The Aztec Emperor, Montezuma was known to drink large quantities of cocoa to enable him to make love to all of the women in his court.

There is some scientific evidence to support the hypothesis that chocolate can improve erectile function but it is varied and not 100 percent conclusive. For example the cocoa in chocolate is known to be full of flavanols which can have a significant effect on the process of vascular nitric oxide synthase activation. This sounds very complicated but it is an essential part of good sexual function in men.

High concentrations of cocoa in chocolate have also been linked to a decrease in high blood pressure levels. High blood pressure in itself can be a direct cause of erectile dysfunction. More evidence that cocoa and chocolate gets you in the mood for loving is that it contains a chemical called phenethylamine which can elevate your mood and is also known as a “feel good” chemical as it is produced when you are in love.

You should also not underestimate the placebo effect of eating chocolate to get both men and women turned on. Women love it when men buy them chocolate and it is always a winner for a romantic occasion.

A word of warning however is that the more chocolate that you eat does not necessarily mean the better your erectile or sexual function. You should always eat chocolate in moderation and make sure that you go for those dark chocolates which have a 60%+ concentration of cocoa. Eating too much chocolate will cause obesity which is probably the number one cause of erectile dysfunction.