Now that the myth that chocolate is bad for us is behind us, let's talk about what it is about chocolate that makes so many of us swoon. Sometimes we get these intense cravings for chocolate. We're feeling moody and irritable, even depressed, but once we eat some good chocolate, we feel better. It turns out that chocolate is a mood-enhancer after all. Chocolate contains phenethylamine (PEA), which stimulates the nervous system, triggering the release of endorphins, opiate-like compounds that dull pain and give a sense of well-being. But the jury is still out on whether the high fat and sugar content are also factors for this response. There are also chemicals in chocolate that increase the activity of dopamine, a neurotransmitter directly associated with feelings of sexual arousal and pleasure. Additionally, chocolate can boost brain levels of serotonin — the happy neurotransmitter — especially in women, who tend to be more sensitive to chocolate than men. And yet another way chocolate can make us feel good is by inhibiting the natural breakdown of anandamide, a neurotransmitter normally found in small amounts in the brain, which can produce a feeling of euphoria. Scientists question whether the concentrations of these chemicals present in chocolate can actually produce a significant effect on our moods. But many women will contend that, research or no research, satisfying a chocolate craving can work wonders.

Sounds like eating chocolate has a lot of benefits. But it sounds too good to be true. What about the fat and sugar in chocolate? Aren't they bad for our hearts and detrimental to our waistlines? It is true that chocolate tends to be high in fat and sugar. But depending on the kind of fat in the chocolate, it might not be too hard on your arteries. Good quality chocolates are made with cocoa butter, a fat comprised of approximately one-third proportions of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat like that found in olive oil, and stearic acid and palmitic acid, which are saturated fats. Oleic acid has been shown to lower both total and LDL cholesterol. And interestingly, although stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid (SFA), unlike other SFAs, it does not seem to affect blood cholesterol. Palmitic acid, however, does raise blood cholesterol, so even good quality chocolate should be eaten in moderation. Remember, not all chocolate is made with cocoa butter, so be sure to read labels.

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Chocolate contains stimulants such as caffeine. One 1.5-ounce bar of dark chocolate contains about 30 milligrams of caffeine, milk chocolate contains 10 mg, and an 8-ounce serving of hot cocoa contains 5 mg. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of brewed coffee contains 135 mg of caffeine, 12 ounces of Mountain Dew contains about 56 mg, and cola contains about 35 mg. Another caffeine-like stimulant in chocolate is theobromine, which can cause fatal cardiac stress in dogs, so be sure to keep the chocolate away from Fido. Theobromine is actually weaker than caffeine, and it doesn't have a strong effect on humans. Chocolate also contains healthful nutrients, such as the minerals calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper, which are essential for normal biological functions, growth, metabolism, and oxygen transport.

When you do want to indulge, choose the darkest, richest chocolate you can find made with quality cocoa butter. Chocolatiers such as many of the European chocolatiers who were at the New York Chocolate Show (and listed below) make dark chocolates containing 70 percent or more cocoa. The average chocolate bar contains about 40 percent. The higher the cocoa content the more beneficial the bar.

The universal love affair with chocolate will continue. And now just to make your mouth water, here are my picks of the best!

Fairytale Brownies:  New Magic Morsels — When you're looking for just a little bit of chocolate satisfaction, new 1.5" X 1.5" Magic Morsels make the perfect treat.  These are the same Belgian chocolate brownies that made Fairytale famous — just a bit smaller.  Available in original and sugar free varieties. Retail 1.2 pounds, $26. www.brownies.com

NewTree:  NewTree’s six luscious Belgian chocolate bars combine pure chocolate with wholesome fruit and botanicals for delightful confections that fuel your body and well-being. NewTree chocolate bars are made with the highest quality, all natural ingredients.  NewTree Dark chocolates contain a luxurious 73 percent cocoa and are very rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. NewTree Milk chocolates contain a silky smooth 34 percent cocoa. The milk chocolate bars are meant to nourish your senses and help you relax and reduce stress.

Six varieties:
Pleasure — pure dark chocolate, high in minerals and fiber, and vitamin D
Renew — rich in antioxidants, as it contains dark chocolate, grapes and black currants. Rich in flavenoids, a class of polyphenols, which are known to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Black currant contains Vitamin D and ellagic acid, a powerful antioxidant that fights against cancer agents present in our bodies.
Forgiveness — containing dark chocolate, lemon and a type of cactus fiber that helps metabolism and burns fat
Vigor — a stimulating blend of chocolate, coffee and guarana, a small berry grown in the Amazon basin
Tranquility — a delightful combination of milk chocolate, lavender and lime blossom — all of which help with relaxation. Also a mild anti-depressant because chocolate stimulates the production of serotonin.
Rejoice — Unwind with Rejoice, a bar that combines the lovely aroma of bitter orange with rich milk chocolate and natural lime blossoms. The exotic flavors of this chocolate are enhanced by deliciously crunchy crisped rice. Cultivated in the area around the Mediterranean Sea, bitter oranges are known to promote a quiet sleep, and lime blossoms are traditionally used for their relaxing properties. Retail: 2.82-ounce bar, around $5. www.newtree.com

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