Food of the Week [Part II]: Choco-holics Unite

Posted June 5, 2008 at 12:00 PM by Katie Drummond

Section: Her Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Recipes, Vegetarianism, Special Features, Food of the Week

Earlier, we proclaimed chocolate as our Food of the Week, and credited its antioxidant content as the reason for the health allure of this sweet confection. But the benefits of a bit of dark chocolate extend beyond the physical – I’m talking about the mental and emotional boost that a bit of chocolate can offer.

When you consume chocolate, your body releases endorphins and serotonin. These two chemicals reduce stress, relax your nervous system and give you a feeling of calm. Maybe that’s why women often claim they crave chocolate during that stressful time of the month?

And you don’t need anything illegal to get high – just pop an ounce of chocolate. It contains the lipid anandamide, which is unique for its similarity to THC (the chemical compound that gives marijuana its potent power). Anandamide targets the production of dopamine, and gives you a feeling of well-being and euphoria. In fact, chocolate has long been cherished for its calming effects. The ancient Aztecs favored chocolate as an aphrodesiac, and its name in Sanskrit is “ananda,” which is translated to “bliss” in English.

You’ll be blissed out when you try this recipe for mole (mo-lay) sauce. This is a rich, smoky combination of chili and chocolate that is perfect when paired with enchiladas, nachos, or other spicy menu items.

Recipe Profile: Perfect For: An innovative addition to a Mexican fiesta Prep Time: 30 minutes Servings: 6-8 Ingredients:

10 red chilies 2 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp sesame seeds ¼ cup slivered almonds 1 tsp black pepper 2-3 cloves 1 onion, sliced 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tbsp cocoa powder vegetable oil, for frying 14oz can of chopped tomatoes pinch of cinnamon