Chocolate is candy; it is fattening; it rots your teeth; it causes acne; etc…How much of this is really true about chocolate?
On another note, chocolate is a well-known romantic gift that a man gives a woman. Or it might be a gift that says, “I’m sorry,” if he is in trouble with his wife or girlfriend.
Chocolate Evolves
As gift baskets grow in popularity chocolate is becoming one of the most popular treats to add to the goodies. Gift baskets are great for her, but they can also be pretty good boyfriend gift ideas as well. Of course, they must be properly presented in order to appeal to a guy’s macho side. For example, instead of hearts and flowers, a gift basket for a boyfriend should be themed after something like sports, hunting, auto racing, etc…
In addition to being a great boyfriend gift idea, some chocolate has great health benefits. Dark chocolate is the best.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Though chocolate is not a natural food, it is prepared from ground roasted cacao beans. Cacao, or cocoa, is a natural food. By processing of cacao, the finished product can contain high amounts of sugar, fat and other additives.
Dark chocolate of high-quality contains less calories and less cocoa butter than light chocolate or milk chocolate. Milk chocolate, as its name implies, contains milk to lighten the color and enhance the taste and make the texture smoother. Though milk has many health benefits of its own, it does not mix well with the benefits of dark chocolate.
The main health benefit of chocolate comes from flavanoids which have antioxidant qualities that help improve blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol levels. Studies have proven that adding milk destroys the antioxidants in dark chocolate. Antioxidants are also known to help prevent cancer by attacking “free radicals” in our bodies.
Feel Good Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is known to have anti-depressant benefits due to the production of endorphin and serotonin. In addition, dark chocolate contains stimulants like theobromine and caffeine which tend to produce a sense of pleasure and heightened alertness for a happier mood.
How Much is too Much?
Dark chocolate is still chocolate; a high-calorie and high-fat treat. The darker the chocolate, the better it is; however, eating too much of even the very best can be counter-productive. Some studies have shown that eating a small amount of dark chocolate every day will produce some health benefits; however, the positive effects can decrease over time.
Chocolate as a Boyfriend Gift Idea
So, like anything else, dark chocolate in moderation is a good rule of thumb. Times are changing; chocolate is not just an “I Love You” gift from him to her. Women are getting creative by adding chocolate treats to a gift basket for him. Well, not really a gift basket, but maybe a tool box or a bucket, full of tasty snacks and items that fit a special theme, like auto racing, fishing or hunting. Guys thrive on flattery; flatter him by showing him that you respect his hobbies and interests while giving him a useful, but fun gift.
Carolyn Simi recently opened her business, With My Regards, based in New York. With My Regards offers a wide variety of gift basket designs, candle gift sets, gift baskets for her and even gifts for men, many of which are available in various sizes and their selection continues to grow. All of her elegant and unique gift baskets are eco-friendly and packaged in reusable containers.
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