Except for the obvious fact that woman need chocolate just because they simply can’t survive without it, there is actually scientific proof that women need chocolate!

This food of the gods has always been considered a sin, and has generally been thought to cause acne, and is seen as junk food. Don’t worry ladies, there’s good news ahead!

There is actually a growing collection of credible scientific research that chocolate contains various heart-healthy and mood-enhancing phytochemicals, benefiting both the body and mind. Firstly, chocolate is a great source of antioxidants - substances that reduce the ongoing cellular and arterial damage caused by oxidative reactions.

The polyphenols in chocolate is also believed to help prevent heart disease by inhibiting the oxidation process of LDL cholesterol, which causes the cholesterol to stick to artery walls, increasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes. These polyphenols are also found in red wine - the news just gets better and better, doesn’t it!

Feeling low and depressed? CHOCOLATE to the rescue! Chocolate contains mood enhancing substances, causing the same feeling as when people fall in love. No wonder women fall in love so easily with chocolate… Other scientists believe that women also crave chocolate due to the fact that they believe it is forbidden.

The reason why chocolate has gained such a bad reputation is because of all the ingredients we add to it. So for less of the bad and more of the good stuff, opt for darker chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa. Also remember to keep your portions moderate (we know it’s not easy ladies), as overindulgence will lead to weight gain or outweigh the health benefits. A good way to compromise is by sharing the calories (and guilt…) with someone you love!

Pairing chocolate with wine

With such a wide variety of chocolate and wine available, pairing the two can be very pleasurable. Feeling guilty about all the chocolate? Don’t worry, the wine should take care of that… Here are a few suggested pairing ideas:

• White chocolate: Pair white chocolate with a light sweet wine. Dessert wines will bring out the creaminess of the white chocolate. *Suggested wines: Sherry, Muscadel
• Milk chocolate: While white wines have a light body which goes very well with milk chocolates. *Suggested wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling
• Dark chocolate: Dark or bittersweet chocolates need a wine that offers a roasted, slightly strong flavour itself, with perhaps a hint of its own chocolate notes. *Suggested wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz (see Le Pommier’s special offer on Shiraz).

Happy tasting! And remember… “There’s nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with CHOCOLATE!” ~ Linda Grayson