February 14 is the day of love: Valentine’s Day.

Originally the day celebrated the Christian saint Valentinus. There are three saints named Valentinus in the same era, so the exact origin is not certain now.

However, the original purpose of  Valentine’s Day started to change as stores searched for a reason to make money from the holiday. In the 19th century, the English Cadbury company commercialized Valentine’s Day as the eating chocolate day.

Even though the real purpose of Valentine’s Day is distorted commercially, consumers can still enjoy Feb. 14 romantically. On this day  it is common to show people’s love to friends or family  with chocolate. Chocolate has become the “love messenger”.

Scientifically, chocolate has been proven to be the “love messenger”. In chocolate there is phenylethylamine, the hormone which we can get through love. Further, this chemical promotes the endorphin dopamine which makes people happy.

Also,  according to the research of Cambridge University chocolate is recommended to the depressed. The softness and sweetness makes people satisfied and this satisfaction can be the important role to controlling one’s emotions.

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/apr/27/science/la-sci-chocolate-20100427

Shari Roan. “Study Links Chocolate and Depression.” LosAngels Times 27 Apr. 2010: n. pag. Print.

“Food.” The Atlantic Feb. 1989: 14. Gale Power Search. Web. 5 Feb. 2014.

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