Chocolate is a marvelous creation that comes from cocoa beans. Chocolate desserts and ice cream are a staple when it comes to after-meal snacks. However, did you know that you can use chocolate for other things and in other ways besides eating it? We’ll show you interesting chocolate alternatives you’ll love. But before we get into it, here’s a brief history lesson to set the stage.
How chocolate is meant to be used
Cacao, which is what chocolate is made of, was quite important in the Pre-Columbian days. When people first discovered the plant in Europe, they didn’t straight away make a chocolate sauce to go with peanut butter. They used it as medicine. Some records show that chocolate was among the items used to treat smallpox, yellow fever, tuberculosis, cholera, typhus, and scarlet fever.
In the 1600s, physicians came forward and announced that people should eat chocolate for breakfast. They said this because it is rich in nutrients that the body can use. The Latin name for the cacao plant can be translated as “food of the gods.” So it is not too much of a surprise that many people thought it should be part of a healthy, balanced breakfast.
Nowadays, there are now different types of chocolate and is not part of breakfast unless you are a young child or a young adult who lives by themselves. To be clear, we are talking about cereal. However, chocolate still has many qualities. It is full of antioxidants, iron, fiber, and magnesium. Plus, dark chocolate (in the 70 percent cacao range) is great for diets. It can also rejuvenate skin, decrease the chances of heart disease, and improve mental health.
Chocolate as an aphrodisiac
It might sound like a cliché, but there’s a reason why chocolate has been associated with romance and desire for centuries. Rich in compounds like phenylethylamine and serotonin, chocolate can stimulate the brain’s pleasure centers, making you feel happier and more relaxed. Imagine sharing a piece of high-quality dark chocolate with your partner, letting it melt slowly on your tongue as you savor its luxurious taste. The sensory experience of chocolate can set the mood, creating an intimate atmosphere that heightens arousal and anticipation.
But it’s not just about the taste; the ritual of sharing chocolate can be a powerful prelude to sex. Men can use this sweet treat to get themselves and their partners in the right mindset for intimacy. Picture this: a quiet evening, soft lighting, and a box of gourmet chocolates. As you feed each other pieces, the act itself becomes a form of foreplay, engaging multiple senses and building a connection. Chocolate can also increase blood flow and improve energy levels, which can enhance physical performance and stamina during sex. So next time you’re planning a romantic night, don’t underestimate the power of chocolate. It’s a simple yet effective way to boost your mood and set the stage for an unforgettable experience, turning an ordinary evening into something truly special.
Chocolate can remove cavities
An apple a day can keep the doctor away, as everyone knows, but did you know that a bit of cocoa powder can keep dentists away? Well, it is true. You shouldn’t use a chocolate substitute for toothpaste, but it can be an add-on to it. Just sprinkle a bit onto your toothpaste, and you will be good to go. Some studies have shown that cocoa powder can be better than fluoride when it comes to tackling harmful tooth decay. So grab some powder and give your teeth a good wash. But remember, you should only put a pinch on top of the paste, not use it by itself.
Chocolate as fertilizer
Another unknown use for chocolate — cocoa, in particular — is that it can also serve as a fertilizer. Add some to your indoor flower pot and watch your little plant grow. If you want to go a step further, grab some mocha and mix it with used coffee grounds. This mulch can be as great as a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. What’s more, it can scare off snails and slugs without getting rid of the little critter that your plant wants. Plus, this mulch can go up against extreme temperatures and win. It can also help keep the water in as well as fight off weeds.
However, if you have pets, especially dogs, you should know that they can get attracted to the smell of the fertilizer. This could tempt them to eat it, which is not good for them. It is chocolate, after all, which is a big no when it comes to pets. It is mostly because of the caffeine as well as the theobromine. Therefore, it would be best to use it in a private garden or an enclosed space that your pets cannot jump into.
Chocolate as dry shampoo substitute
Dry shampoos are all the rage for those that are always on the go. It makes sense that you may not have time to wash your hair even if you work from home. There are meetings to get to, children to watch, meals to prepare. Therefore, your hair can be the last thing on your mind until it gets too heavy to wear. Luckily there is a way that you can make your chocolate chips-inspired dry shampoo in no time.
All you need is a salt shaker with some essential oil, cornstarch, and of course, cocoa powder. Mix it all, pour it into the salt shaker (just make sure there is no sea salt in it.) Sprinkle your hair with the combination. You will be good to go. Plus, it will make you smell good, maybe even like bittersweet chocolate. What is more, this combination can also make your hair look oil-free, which is always a plus.
Chocolate can be used as a facial mask
So your hair can use some chocolate, but why not give your face a little boost as well? You can create your regenerating facial mask with just a few items. A facial done at home is a great way to relax and chill. It can open your pores while giving your face a good clean. Afterward, you can feel energized and ready for the day or week ahead. To make this chocolate-inspired mask, you should mix:
- A tablespoon of melted chocolate
- A single drop of essential oil
- A teaspoon of rosehip oil and almond oil
Mix it all and put it on your face for 20 minutes. When the time is up, wash it off with lukewarm water. The oils can help new skin cells form, and the chocolate can hydrate as well as tone your face.
Chocolate can be used as a scrub
Did you know that you could also use chocolate in your shower? A chocolate-inspired scrub is a great thing for you since it can give you a cookie-like smell while making your skin soft and rejuvenated. You should mix the following ingredients:
- Two tablespoons of cocoa powder
- Ten drops of essential oil — peppermint
- Half a cup of white sugar and half a cup of brown sugar
- A third of a cup of almond oil
Mix this all in a glass jar and keep it in your shower to use as a scrub.
That’s it!
These are just some things you can do with chocolate aside from eating it. Give them a try and see how great they are yourself. If these don’t work for you, at least they’ll give you a pleasant smell.