The time has long gone when you checked your letterbox to see if someone sent you an expression of their love on Valentine’s Day in the form of a postcard or perfumed letter. These days it’s social media, e-mails, messenger, an e-card or a txt message, but isn’t that just way less fun than something tangible? Valentine’s Day is about connection, so let’s get back to nature and look into some ideas to spice the day up with an original gift.
On your next walk outdoors, have a look for a heart shaped rock or pick up a smooth pebble along the river. Maybe you prefer a piece of driftwood, flowers or a pretty shell? This can be the canvas for your personal message to a friend or a loved one. Wrap it up as a present or just surprise them by placing this personalised natural object in front of their door. Or under their pillow.
And then there is of course chocolate… This dark gold has had the reputation for a long time of being a powerful aphrodisiac. In Mayan and Aztec history cacao (the raw ingredient for Chocolate) was known as a symbol for wealth and power. There was a culture of drinking the cacao once battles were won. And scientists explain the ‘loved up’ feeling is due to 3 different compounds that are present in cacao:
- Theobromine raises the heart rate and dilates blood vessels in the same way as experienced during sexual activity.
- Phenyl ethylamine (PEA) has been called the ”love drug” and occurs in chocolate in small quantities, but has a big effect on the brain. It triggers the release of pleasurable endorphins, potentiates the activity of dopamine, a neurochemical directly associated with sexual arousal and pleasure. The giddy, restless feelings that occur when we are in love are due to a great extent to PEA, which significantly increases in the brain at that time, and when we achieve orgasm.
- Tryptophan is the other goodie that breaks down into serotonin, which gives us a sense of well-being. Serotonin plays a major role in positive mood, emotional health, proper sleep and balanced appetite.
So there it is- the explanation of why people choose to buy their sweetheart a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day. Although many do not realise that refined sugar is not really a beneficial ingredient for that loved up feeling. Thus more and more people are making their own raw chocolates with a low-glycemic sweetener like coconut sugar.
If you want to impress your loved one, make them some raw chocolates, add some dried fruits or nuts for a crunchy effect. And don’t forget to put all your loving thoughts into the mix. You can place your chocolates in a nice box, a pretty bag or present them on a plate decorated with flowers and fresh strawberries. And for the really courageous and cheeky people out there we suggest you invite your Romeo or Juliet into your kitchen and embark on a chocolate making adventure together…
Now we’re talking…that sounds like fun! All we need is love.
Get inspired by this simple yet lovely recipe if you decide to surprise your loved on this Valentine's Day. Keen on something even more special? Raw Chocolates filled with almond butter are irresistible and so much easier than they look! Make sure you use only the best ideally organic ingredients. Our top pick is:
BioBalance Certified Organic Raw Cacao Powder
BioBalance Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
BioBalance Organic Coconut Sugar
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What will be your sweet Valentine’s gift this year?
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