A bite of chocolate gives a satisfying snap from the moment it touches your lips to the time it coats your taste buds in a rich, pure velvety layer of sweet flavor.
When done munching your favorite bar of chocolate, you’re left longing for more.
But… why?
Why do you crave for more of the chocolate? Why does it make you feel good?
Your general emotional well-being, or the effect of chocolates on the heart and brain could explain your craving. Chocolate has “feel good” chemicals linked to how you feel after eating it.
Chocolate and Endorphins
Physical exercise triggers the brain to release chemicals known as endorphins into the bloodstream. Chocolate has the same effect on the brain, explaining why it’s linked to endorphins.
What are Endorphins?
The brain often releases chemicals known as neurotransmitters to control how neurons communicate with each other in the body. The chemicals are known as endorphins.
Endorphins interact with brain receptors to trigger positive emotions or feelings in your body, and reduce the perception of pain. The neurotransmitters can affect your feelings and actions directly depending on the circumstance.
So…
Why does Chocolate Trigger Endorphins?
Cocoa (the primary ingredient used to make chocolates), according to various studies, triggers the brain to release endorphins, the “feel good” hormones.
However, dark chocolate triggers maximum endorphin release. This is unlike milk chocolate, its creamier counterpart.
Pure cocoa is bitter in taste. Therefore, it’s mixed with sugar and milk to cancel out the bitterness. The more sugar and milk any given chocolate contains, the less pure its cocoa content.
The more the cocoa in your chocolate, the more endorphins you’ll have released into your system.
So, opt for dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate to enjoy an endless flow of endorphins into your blood for happy, healthy feelings.
Chocolate and Your Brain Chemistry
Other neurotransmitter chemicals linked to chocolate consumption include:
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
- Oxytocin
Together with endorphins, the brain chemicals are released whenever you consume chocolate. They’re linked to your happiness, hence the warm, fuzzy feeling that ensues.
Benefits of Eating Chocolates
Chocolate enhances memory.
Multiple studies have shown that people who consume chocolates with high flavonal content experience better memory.
The cocoa flavanols and flavonols in chocolate are flavonoids. They’re plant-based antioxidants with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-viral, and anti-tumor properties.
The health benefits of eating chocolate are tied to these properties.
Other benefits of chocolate include:
- Better heart health; lowers the risk of heart disease
- Promotes feelings of excitement, attraction and nervousness as in falling in love
- Protects against diabetes and high blood pressure
- Reduces atrial fibrillation
- Boosts your mood
- Offers relief from anxiety
- Boosts energy and feelings of happiness
- Enhances cognitive function
- Counteracts adenosine neurotransmitter to increase muscle contraction and heart rate
- Absorbs UV light to protect the skin
Despite the immense benefits of chocolate, it’s advisable to consume it in moderation. After all, too much of something is poisonous.