Only a woman can tell you how indulging in chocolate makes a difference! How mere chocolate can keep them in a good mood and how it can make them contented. There is no dearth in saying that chocolates are one of the finest possessions women tend to have. When alone, they gobble up chocolates, when distressed, they polish off entire bar, when having a ball, they just can’t do without chocolates and of course, when nothing comes fair in love and war, they have the one backup plan, perhaps the repeated one; which is to devour chocolates in any form and whoop it up to their salad days, over and again!

But why chocolates and women? Well, according to Anthony Auger, a professor of psychology at UW-Madison, chocolate affects women differently than men and the former have a stronger craving for this food of God. The brain of women and men were scanned using MRI wherein it was found that chocolate influenced the activity of the amygdala, a part of the brain which is responsible for affecting emotions and sexual desire was seen more in women than men. Moreover, tucking into chocolate helps the body generate serotonin- a happiness hormone that regulates the mood whilst warding off depression. Alongside this, chocolate also boosts the body to generate a hormone called dopamine that helps people feel mentally alert and lack of it might cause bad moods.

Now there is a mood thing, which plays a crucial role in any woman’s life. So who is the bigger arch-enemy of their mood than menstrual cycle? Their hormonal level keeps on changing every so often during periods and as a result of that, mood changes occur. Now, the more the mood changes, the more she yearns something to regulate her mood and there comes chocolate into play. And simply, having one soothes their state of uneasiness.

No doubt, chocolate has to do with the feelings of wellbeing. It tastes so rich that it could be, sometimes more pleasurable than watching a favourite movie, listening to a cherished song or falling in love. It’s delectably hormone-friendly and comfort food with good sources of antioxidants and quite a many health benefits for heart, skin and brain functions.

However, chocolate knows no gender, but predominantly women have that special affinity with it. The way they eat it, the way they adore it and the way they have uplifted the existence of chocolates across the globe is impeccably incredible in a class of its own. Because an image of chocolate without a woman in it obviously looks saccharine but not sensible!

There is, therefore, Schmitten Luxury Chocolates! Crafted with immense care and love, Schmitten chocolates are just the right choice for celebrating Women’s Day. When a man gives Schmitten to his beloved, he just doesn’t give a piece of chocolate as it rightly makes her happy, it boosts her mood and makes her believe how special she is! Because, celebrating such a special day needs special treat.

On this Women’s Day, just say nothing and let Schmitten do it all for you, all for her! Surrender your love with Schmitten.

Come Valentine’s Day, and there you see love in the air. The heart-shaped red balloons, a typical symbol of an imminent day of love rules the roost. There seems the red in the air, all around; be in the form of attires or accessories. Such a sky-rocketing excitement for this day has well been observed in the recent past than before.

Thanks to the Fifty Shades of Grey flicks that have rightly carved out a niche for itself in being the romantic love saga for the lovebirds. They did a lot of love things. And it was such a good relief from the all-time hit but hammering love-story of Jack and Rose. But of course, no one can beat when Jack kisses Rose on the prow of the ship under the full moon.

Wait a second, from Romeo and Juliet to these above-mentioned romantic movies, have we ever witnessed any chocolate indulgences? Well, the answer is either big no or maybe a little bit of it! They show only wine, and wine and champagne! Shouldn’t have Shakespeare used his love verses for the glory of chocolates?

During Valentine’s Day, chocolates have become a standard Valentine’s Day gift, right up there with balloons, jewelry and flowers, but this exotic treat didn’t just conceive its romantic reputation overnight. It did take centuries of traditions and myths to associate chocolate with love and Valentine’s Day.

The very first people to connect chocolate and love were the Mayans. They began brewing drinks made from cocoa beans around 500 BCE- before the maiden feat of St. Valentine. In Mayan nuptial rituals, hot chocolate was an important part. The then groom and bride would exchange swig of hot chocolate during the ceremony. Another recorded historical event, according to the New York Times is that the infamous ruler of Montezuma was rumored to have binged on so-called-chocolates made from cocoa beans in order to fuel his romantic rendezvous. All such events gradually augured the status of chocolate as a universal symbol of love.

This food of God has something very special that it’s always been so special! There is an impeccable magnetism to chocolate that is in essence naturally romantic. Such a scrumptious substance melts in mouth whilst bursting flavours thereby giving heavenly experience. This is probably the finest reason to indulge in chocolates and in a matter of love, it readily takes the second spot, just after red roses.

Apart from emotional connection, chocolates are too good for the body as well. According to Forbes, chocolate has been proven to be nutrient-rich, it is good for the heart and improves cognitive functions while relieving stress.

There is no dearth in saying that it is simply an edible declaration of love that makes the recipients of chocolate feel happily gratifying and not to mention, so special. As you know the few things go perfectly well together, and chocolate and Valentine’s Day, are among them! Beyond a shadow of a doubt, sharing chocolate has become a bandwagon to commemorate the day of love.

This Valentine’s Day, forget not to vamp up your love spirits. Forget gold or diamond, just a couple of heart-shaped balloons and a box full of Schmitten!

Because when she nibbles her way through a delicious box of Schmitten chocolates, the rest is assured! Let love bloom with sweetness in every corner because 14th Feb. is not just an ordinary day, isn’t it?

Tuck into a chunk of chocolate and there you feel the luckiest one on earth. Yes! It’s certainly an irresistible treat which wows your senses while making you want more. Even when you smell it, you definitely feel good.  Undoubtedly, chocolate is the most enchanting treat to cheer our taste buds.

The obsession of chocolate is so high that in many parts of world, the ‘Chocolate Festival’ is remarkably celebrated just to revel in the taste and sensation of this magnificent Food of Gods. So, here we go! Let’s take a look at some of the spectacular chocolate festivals from around the globe.

• The Chocolate Festival, UK

This chocolate festival takes place in London twice-a-year. Chocolate connoisseurs can sample a wide range of chocolate extravaganza at dozens of stalls.

When: December4-6
Where: London
Details: festivalchocolate.co.uk

•  Festival of Chocolate

This grand chocolate festival is held in the southeast regions of the US that includes Orlando, Miami and Tampa. Visitors can enjoy samples from different confectionery companies in these areas followed by workshop and chocolate game shows.

When: January 16-18
Where: Tampa, US
Details: festivalofchocolate.com

• Salon du Chocolat

If you think Paris is only good for fashion and arts, then you are wrong. The fashionistas here have got great sweet tooth as well.  Salon du Chocolat offers an extensive selection of events including a first of its kind chocolate fashion show.  Fashion designers and chocolatiers team up to create exceptional couture pieces for a fashion show.

This festival is organized in 15 cities around the globe, from Tokyo to London, including as many as four cities in France.

When: October 28 – November 1
Where: Paris, France
Details: salonduchocolat.fr

• chocolART

chocolART is Germany’s biggest chocolate festival which welcomes international chocolatiers from Africa, South and North America and Europe. It also offers an array of chocolate-themed activities to visitors including chocolate workshops and chocolate art.

When: December 1-6
Where: Tübingen, Germany
Details: chocolart.de

• Eurochocolate

It is the biggest chocolate festival in Europe which attracts around 9,00,000 visitors each year. Eurochocolate celebrates international and Italian chocolate traditions wherein visitors can make the most of chocolate tastings and adore chocolate sculptures amid the thrill of live music.

Where: Umbria, Italy
When: October 16-25
Details: eurochocolate.com

• Chocolate Fest

The Chocolate Fest is held in St. Stephen which is popular as “Canada’s Chocolate Town”. Chocolate lovers can relish in chocolate-themed dinners and lunches. Visitors are open to participate in chocolate workshops, activities and competitions.

When: TBC
Where: New Brunswick, Canada
Details: chocolate-fest.ca

• Salón Chocolate

It’s a great event for chocolate aficionados in Mexico where visitors flock in huge numbers to explore the world of chocolate. This year’s event is over which was held in September.

When: TBC
Where: Mexico City, Mexico
Details: tradex.mx/chocolates

• World Chocolate Masters Final

The World Chocolate Masters competition is certainly a unique contest which is exclusively devoted to the creative use of chocolates. This year’s theme for the contest is ‘Inspiration from Nature’. All the top winners from around 19 countries will partake here in final in Paris and the champion will be crowned the title of World Chocolate Master international.

When: October 28 to 30
Where: Paris, France

• Chicago Fine Chocolate Show

The Chicago Fine Chocolate Show is resplendent with exceptional chocolate creations from around the world. This show also offers chocolate seminars, live demonstration from French Pastry School and varied sampling sessions demonstrating the finest chocolates.

When: November16-18
Where: Chicago, US

• Choco-Late Festival: Brugge

The word chocolate is inseparable from Belgium. It is a must-see country for chocolate enthusiasts with more than 172,000 tons of chocolate produced each year. Visitors can experience many mouth-watering activities and adorable attractions while paying a visit to chocolate museums and experiencing more than 2,000 chocolate shops on the go.

Details: visitbelgium.com

Source:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/9912078/Chocolate-festivals-around-the-world.html?frame=2504241

Whenever we reminisce the sweet moments of childhood, the one thing that helps us relive our cherished moments is chocolates. Chocolates in one way or another are always a part of our upbringing. Perhaps, some ambitious and fortunate kids might have even seen a chocolate dreamland. But when faced with reality, we recall how our parents used to deter us from eating chocolates every now and then. And their reason would be to avoid any sort of tooth decay risks. Yes! Quite possible it was. But that was then.

Now we’re full-grown adults and we can always maintain our dental hygiene. Tooth decaying factors can no more prevent us from eating as many chocolates as we want to, as long as we‘re conscious enough about our oral hygiene and controlled portioning of chocolate.

Gone are the days when chocolate was considered as a mere confectionery item. Because research and various studies confirm the goodness of chocolates. Yes! Chocolate is really good for you in interesting ways beyond your imagination. We now know that chocolate consumption through portion control is in fact good for our heart and good for our body.

Scientists have revealed that eating reasonable amount of chocolate is perfectly good as it makes us feel emotionally better and helps boost our body endorphins. Chocolates, especially Dark chocolates also protect us against heart diseases.

So, let’s check out why all of us should occasionally indulge in a sweet treat with no more of no-no to chocolates!

Chocolate can make you live longer– A research by the Harvard University claims that those who eat modest amount of chocolate- a couple of times in a month can live longer than those who  don’t eat any.

They found out that this can be due to the fact that cocoa contains antioxidants called “Polyphenols” that prevent the oxidation of unsafe cholesterol. The antioxidants are good to protect us against cancer.

Chocolate helps us feel better– There might me quite a lot of reasons behind this. The aroma of chocolate has been found to help slow down our brain waves, which ultimately calm us. Most of us also find eating chocolate more pleasurable because at that point of time, we release endorphins in the brain that gives is a sense of well-being.

Chocolate is a good stress-buster- Good quality chocolate contains valeric acid which is a good relaxant agent. Moreover, the amount of sugar in chocolate is also believed to have a calming effect on us.

Chocolate is good for appetite- Well, this can be due to cannabinoid-like substances which is contained in chocolates. This is known to affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain which controls hunger. So, chocolate is surely a good solution to recover your appetite.

Chocolate is good for your skin and weight worries- Yes! And importantly it doesn’t give you acne. Scientists from Missouri University confirmed that chocolate is good for skin. Nutritionists also claim that chocolate doesn’t make you gain weight and keeps you healthy.

Chocolate is nourishing- A 50g of plain chocolate bar contains 45mg of magnesium and 1.2mg of calcium. And luxury milk chocolate is a good source of calcium. And so is pure dark chocolate which is known to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure as it is considered a powerful source of antioxidants.

Chocolate helps you to be more alert– Chocolate contains a stimulant known as theobromine, a caffeine-like substance which is believed to make one more alert. But, it has no side-effects of giving us heebie-jeebies, like caffeine, and fortunately chocolate contains only minute quantity of caffeine, barely 1mg in three squares of chocolate.