As February 14th approaches, we think of how we will express our love for the significant other, family and friends so special in our lives.  Will we send flowers?  Will we send chocolates (dark, of course!)?  Will we prepare a romantic dinner?  Will we embrace along side a roaring fire?

The history behind St. Valentine’s Day paints a different  picture from the way we celebrate today. One common theory suggests that St. Valentine was a priest in Rome during the 3rd century.  Marraige of young men was banned by the Emperor Claudius II as he reasoned these young men would make better warriors than having wives and children.  Valentine felt this unfair and took matters into his own hands by marrying young couples in secret.  When these deeds were revealed, Claudius sentenced Valentine to death.

Another theory states that St. Valentine had been imprisoned and fell in love with the guard’s daughter.  Prior to his death, he sent her a note signed “From your Valentine”.

We will never know the actual history of St. Valentine but he has always been looked upon as a romantic figure.  So much so that by the Middle Ages, he was viewed as one of the most popular of saints throughout England and France.

Signs of affection are shown in a variety of ways.  The giving of flowers also dates back to the Middle Ages when courtship was forbiden causing couples to declare their love through the use of flowers.  In the 1600′s, handmade cards became popular as Americans adorned them with bow and arrow.  Then came sweets for the sweet and boxes of candy began to show sentiment.
For love of chocolate

In recent studies, chocolate has been shown to have a variety of health benefits.  These benefits arise from cocoa, dark chocolate and minimally processed chocolate food items.  Being rich in magnesium (aids depression), sulfur (builds strong nails, hair and detoxifies the liver) and copper all helping to regulate blood pressure and heartbeat, chocolate also contains flavonoids rich in anti-oxidants.  The health benefits from these anti-oxidants are:

improves circulation
improves digestion
stimulates the kidneys
improves endothelial functions
lowers blood pressure
protects against free radicals known to trigger stroke and heart disease
lowers heart disease related deaths
A simple way to add chocolate to your nutrition is by dipping organic, fresh strawberries into melted dark chocolate!  YUM!
Need a dessert for you St. Valentine’s Day dinner?  Look no further as this recipe is easy to prepare and tastes so delicious!!

Chocolate Pudding

Ingredients:

1/4 cup raw cacao

2 avocados

2 tbsp. maple syrup or raw honey to taste

1/4 cup water

1 tsp. vanilla

dash of Celtic Sea Salt

Directions:

Add all ingredients to your blender and blend til creamy smooth.  Garnish with fresh mint and a chocolate dipped organic strawberry.

Wrap your arms around those you love and enjoy!!