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Cacao and chocolate was widely used by ancient civilisations as currency and was seen as a 'food for the gods.'

Early colonial records indicate how cacao was used as a medicine and acted as a carrier in the administration of other remedies in the 1500's. The medicinal value of cacao was in its ability to treat weak patients with a variety of dis-ease. It was particularly known to improve digestion and stimulate kidney and bowel function. Additional diseases that responded to treatment using cacao was anaemia, fatigue, fever, low sex drive, respiratory troubles, poor appetite and low breat milk production. In addition to the cacao bean, the oil/butter was used in the treatment of skin problems including eczema, psoriasis and burns. Today, cacao oil is considered a beauty aid in its use as a skin moisturizer, lubricating agent and when combined with the cacao bean, is used to make the chocolate confectionery we're familiar with. All chocolate is derived from the cacao bean/seeds. Nicknamed 'black gold' by the Spanish, it's no mystery that chocolate continues to captivate our taste buds with its rich bittersweet dance on our palette.

With over 300 identifiable chemical compounds, cacao is one of the most complex and pleasurably satisfying foods on the planet. In its raw form, cacao contains anandamide (a euphoric substance), arginine (a natural aphrodisiac), neurotransmitters that stimulate and balance brain activity, tryptophan (an anti-depressant), antioxidants and other beneficial compounds known to have rejuvenating and anti-ageing elements. Cacao is high in the mineral magnesium, essential for helping the heart to pump blood efficiently, building strong bones, and lowering blood pressure. In fact, the strong desire for chocolate during the female menstrual cycle may be related to cravings for magnesium, a mineral with calming qualities. Cacao is a good source of the beauty mineral sulphur, responsible for healthy skin, nails and hair. In todays culture, chocolate is used as a gift for occasions such as St Valentines Day, Easter, Birthdays and Christmas etc. Many of us are likely to consume a little chocolate everyday for its mood boosting effects in an attempt to escape from the stress of working life. Chocolate satiates our appetite for pleasure like no other substance. Is it any wonder that 50% of women prefer chocolate to sex? The portability and availability of chocolate makes it the perfect private pleasure to enjoy anytime, anywhere.

With the revival of films like 'Charlie and The Chocolate Factory' and 'Le Chocolat', chocolate lovers everywhere got to indulge their fantasies, inspired by the film industry. It's safe to say that Johnny Depp and Chocolate create a unique and compatible partnership most women would be happy to personally explore! Yes, chocolate and sex go hand in hand and when packaged in shiny red and gold, make a highly attractive and stimulating friend no one wants to be without.

A symbol of sensuality, any male suitor is wise to offer a gift of chocolate to any prospective female; a delightful box of dark edibles all wrapped in decorative gold foil will put a smile on any chocolate-loving females face. Cacao has always been associated with fertility and love by indigenous cultures.

The versatility of chocolate has allowed us to expand our repertoire of how we can engage ourselves with its intense flavours and textures. From mouth-watering rich cream gateaux to the velvety texture in truffles, there is nothing we can't do with chocolate; it inspires us to create more and more mouth-watering variations to satisfy our appetite. In fact, one can devote one's whole life to becoming a chocolate 'creative' of distinction.

Chocolate will always be an affordable luxury that almost anyone can indulge regardless of class or stature. We can all taste what the Aztecs and Mayans tasted and we will always be grateful for their cultivation of the revered and sacred cacao bean. Long may we continue our passionate, blissful affair with this divine gift from the cacao tree.

Claris Rivers is a food, health and lifestyle writer and recommends DESSERT UNIVERSITY for easy instruction on how to make delicious desserts/sweets using chocolate. http://www.goodthingstoeat.org

Copyright (c) 2007 Claris Rivers

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Fish oil is by far the best and most beneficial omega 3 source known to date. It contains DHA and EPA in just the right amounts as required b our body. Doctors recommend eating fish twice a week because it is sufficient to fulfill daily requirements of the body.

It should be kept in mind that our body is incapable of producing fats like DHA and EPA by its own metabolic functions. Because of this reason, these fats have to be consumed through diet and nutritional supplements.

Other than fish oil, flax seed oil is also another healthy source. This oil contains a third omega 3 fat known by the name of ALA. ALA is a long-chain fatty acid which is broken down into DHA and EPA inside the body to be utilized by the bloodstream. On the other hand, fish oil provides DHA and EPA directly. These short-chain fats don't have to pass through the slow metabolic process to be absorbed by the blood.

At least one omega 3 source should be added to the everyday diet. This can be fish or fish oil in its raw form, flax seeds or flax seed oil, hemp oil, walnuts, shrimps, navy beans or soybeans. Corn oil and olive oil also provide some amounts of these fats. Enriched eggs are yet another source that can be added to the everyday diet.

To obtain adequate amounts of DHA and EPA on a daily basis, it is also advisable to consume supplements or capsules which are easily available on the market. These capsules have been manufactured for people of all ages. They can be consumed easily after meals.

These capsules provide up to 120 mg of DHA and 180 mg of EPA in one single capsule. They don't cause any side effects as all natural and pure substances are used in their making.

However, you need to be careful in choosing your fish oil product. Buy only high grade fish oil available out there which is also known as pharmaceutical grade fish oil. This grade is clinically tested and is approved for consumption by health specialists all over the world.

In addition to this, it has been found recently that hoki is a more effective source than other fish oils. This is because hoki fish oil contains very low levels of impurities and toxins found in the oceans.

John Collins is a content editor who focuses on a wide array of niche health topics. His latest website - Natural Dha Fish Oil focuses on omega 3 as a whole, and in particular, a natural product our editors personally use with excellent health results known as - Dha Esters

Be sure to check out our Omega 3 Dha Esters of choice, it is the natural supplement we use and recommend to friends and family, and have done for over 3 years.

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