The sinfully rich, gooey food, often feared by weight-watchers and desired by most, is now on the menu of spas, health clubs and fitness dieticians the world over

Its charismatic and propitious presence has led many cultures to the claim that consuming chocolate instilled strength, health, faith and passion in those who drank it. Derived by processing the pods of the cacao tree, this tasty secret was discovered 2000 years ago in the rainforests of the Americas. From a rainforest treasure to a luscious treat, chocolate has always been revered for the effect it has on the functioning of our body.

The chocolate diet

"Contrary to popular belief, chocolate is fattening only if you eat too much of it and blow your calorie budget on a whole bag of M&Ms or batch of brownies. Do not grab on chocolates when you are very hungry," advises nutritionist Naini Setalvad.

"Theobromine, an integral part of chocolate stimulates the body and has a slimming effect,” says Dr Apratim Goel, cosmetic dermatologist. Dark chocolates made with cocoa and natural sweeteners like dry fruits, jaggery, and honey, natural fats like walnuts, almonds, sesame seeds and other nuts are very good for health if eaten in moderation, and taste delicious too!

Strong on the inside

The next time you pop in a chocolate, don’t feel guilty – it’s good to indulge in a piece or two. "Chocolate stimulates the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation that stimulates the body to produce a powerful antibody called secretory immunoglobulin A, which strengthens the immune system,” explains Setalvad. It also contains essential trace elements and nutrients such as iron calcium and potassium, and vitamins A, B1, C, D and E.

Chocolate also contains caffeine, which makes it an instant energy and mood lifter, and a powerful fighter of fatigue; and polyphenol compounds, which contain anti-aging properties.

A heart-y effect

Legend says chocolate is a powerful love potion. Chocolate is an aphrodisiac, so there are no doubts of its use in several romantic escapades. Casanova, reportedly the greatest lover who ever lived, was said to have drunk chocolate daily to increase his amorous energy.

But the romantic part of the heart aside, chocolate also protects your heart and helps it function better. Eating chocolate results in higher antioxidants, which cut cholesterol. What’s more, it reduces the formation of internal blood clots, further lowering the chances of a coronary blockage. It is a myth that eating chocolates results in increased cholesterol. Chocolate is a product of plants, and it contains no cholesterol at all, though it does contain calories.

Divine relaxation

Chocolate is fast becoming one of the nutritive edible items used in spas and beauty salons for massages and therapy. “Chocolate is very rejuvenating for your skin. It is moisturizing and good for cell renewal. Since it is made from cocoa, it is rich in anti-oxidants (vitamins A and E) and cocoa butter hydrates, and soothes the skin. There are more than 300 different compounds that can contribute to one's health and beauty," says Lovina Gidhwani Jha, manager operations and development, Franck Provost Spa/Salon/ Academy. A mixture of almond oil, chocolate extract and crushed cocoa beans also makes for an excellent exfoliant and can help relax stressed muscles.

And for those who are feeling stressed and blue, chocolate may just be the thing to get the smile back on their face. The serotonin present in chocolate has an anti-depressant effect on the body. "Chocolate releases 'feel good' happy hormones,” says Dr Goel. “It releases chemicals in the brain that produce a similar feeling to when one first falls in love, enhancing feelings of well being and relaxation.”