Did you know that chocolate actually makes you happy? The feel good factors of chocolate are much more than simply taking pleasure in a chocolate-filled dessert or the satisfaction of chocolate melting in your mouth or even the warm feeling you get with a hot cup of cocoa during a cold winter day.
We, as humans, have been indulging in chocolate for over 4,000 years; but only now can we scientifically explain ‘why’ it makes us so happy.
First of all, compounds found in chocolate include:
- Serotonin – acts as a neurotransmitter that controls mood and behavior in our brain, therefore producing happiness when we eat chocolate.
- Small doses of Phenylethylamine – which acts a stimulant and antidepressant (when combined with dopamine). Our brain produces this compound when we “fall in love”.
- Theobromine – this stimulant works with caffeine to produce a characteristic ‘high’ from a chocolate fix.
Unfortunately not… dark chocolate is the healthiest choice. It contains antioxidants that help prevent cancer, protect blood vessels and counteract high blood pressure. Also, a study done by Nestle Research Center in Switzerland has proven that “eating about 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate every day for two weeks reduces stress hormones.”
What we can conclude is that the next time you think about passing on that chocolate dessert, you might want to think about your happiness.
Sources: https://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/mind_body_spirit_center/7_foods_to_boost_your_mood_naturally?page=2, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2014/04/07/why-chocolate-really-is-the-secret-to-happiness-2/, https://www.sciencefocus.com/blog/why-does-chocolate-make-us-happy