Cocoa Comfort: How Chocolate Sweetens Mental Well-Being (2024)

FAQs

Cocoa Comfort: How Chocolate Sweetens Mental Well-Being? ›

It makes us feel good because it triggers the release of chemicals in our brains that bring us joy. Chocolate contains something called endorphins, which are natural substances that make us feel happy.

Chocolate also contains neurochemicals that play a role in the regulation of mood and depression and antioxidants that help fight inflammation, which may also factor into depression. And to many, eating chocolate induces feelings of pleasure simply because it tastes good.

Enkephalin: The natural brain chemical enkephalin is heightened when chocolate is consumed. Enkephalin triggers opioid receptors similar to those triggered by heroin and morphine use. This chemical leads the brain to desire more after chocolate is initially consumed, which can lead to addiction.

Phenylethylamine (PEA) and Mood Enhancement

Phenylethylamine, or PEA, is a compound found in cocoa that has been dubbed the "love molecule." PEA stimulates the release of endorphins, which are our brain's natural feel-good chemicals.

Dark Chocolate

They're a type of antioxidant that may also help lower your blood pressure, boost the blood flow to your brain and heart, and make you less anxious. The dark stuff -- at least 70% cocoa -- is best, but don't overdo it.

Dark chocolate contains several essential nutrients beneficial for brain health. It is a good source of magnesium, which plays a role in various neurological processes. Additionally, dark chocolate provides small amounts of vitamins like B6, contributing to overall cognitive function and neurotransmitter synthesis.

Cacao is a powerful Plant Medicine that calms the negative monkey mind by releasing the 'bliss molecules' - anandamide, dopamine and serotonin, that physically help to reduce stress and anxiety by reconnecting us to feelings of love, oneness and connection, helping us create a more loving and peaceful world, one cup at ...

Theobromine primarily affects the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system, as well as having a diuretic effect.

Eating too much dark chocolate can lead to a range of issues, including an upset stomach, nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, and jitteriness. Plus, let's not forget about the high calorie and sugar content, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems if consumed in excess.

Mood Swings: The sugar in chocolate can cause rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar levels, leading to mood swings, irritability, and fatigue. Anxiety and Depression: Long-term excessive consumption of sugar has been associated with an increased risk of developing anxiety and depression.

What does cocoa do to the brain? ›

Cocoa or its flavanols may increase blood flow to the brain [6], which often decreases with aging [17] and in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's [18]. Cocoa flavanols may also have anti-inflammatory or antioxidant roles and may directly affect brain health as well [19].

To get the most “health benefit,” select dark chocolate (70-80% cocoa) with the least amount of added sugar. “I think a key to long-term success with a healthy diet is to indulge on occasion – whether it's a small dessert or a great piece of dark chocolate,” says registered dietitian Haley Dockrey.

Studies have found that there are multiple components within chocolate that can give us that feeling of happiness and satisfaction. One element in particular is called tryptophan; this is an amino acid that helps the brain to make serotonin; a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good.

Eat complex carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are thought to increase the amount of serotonin in your brain, which has a calming effect. Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains — for example, oatmeal, quinoa, whole-grain breads and whole-grain cereals.

Chocolate has a high content of tryptophan, which the body uses to turn into mood-enhancing neurotransmitters such as serotonin in the brain. Dark chocolate is also a good source of magnesium. Eating a diet with enough magnesium in it or taking supplements may reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.

The health benefits of dark chocolate consumption, particularly the effects of polyphenols on mood, have been reported in several studies [6,7]. For example, animal studies demonstrated that cocoa polyphenolic extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce depressive behaviors [7,8].

Studies have found that there are multiple components within chocolate that can give us that feeling of happiness and satisfaction. One element in particular is called tryptophan; this is an amino acid that helps the brain to make serotonin; a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good.