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

FAQs

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

This chemical helps us feel good and happy. So, when we're feeling sad or anxious, chocolate can actually help us feel better. Chocolate has something called tryptophan, which is like a building block for serotonin. When we eat chocolate, our bodies use tryptophan to make more serotonin.

Improves brain function: Flavonols in dark chocolate have a positive impact on brain function, including better reaction time, visual-spatial awareness and stronger memory. Though research is ongoing, one reason for this may be that flavonols increase blood flow to the brain.

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. Phenylethlalanine and Theobromine are other components in chocolate that can make us feel happy.

Processed chocolate and cocoa powder stimulate the production of endorphins and Serotonin in your brain like cacao. However, because the percentage of cacao is much lower in chocolate, the effect on your mood is generally lower.

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.

Dark chocolates have once again been given the nod of approval in eliminating symptoms of anxiety and depression. And in times of looming uncertainly such as these, a bite of decadence can go a long way. This is backed by new research.

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.

Or in non-research-speak, eating dark chocolate can make you feel happier. How? Dark chocolate contains psychoactive ingredients that produce feel-good results; one is phenylethylamine, a neuromodulator that helps regulate mood.

Researchers have found that dark chocolate, more specifically cocoa, can cause the brain to release endorphins, “the feel-good” chemical in our body.

Studies have proven that, when we eat chocolate, our brain releases chemicals such as endorphins or serotonin, which are known to be associated with happiness and overall wellness.

What does cocoa powder do for mental health? ›

Cacao has several chemical compounds that could give you a boost, including flavonoids, caffeine, serotonin, and tryptophan. A survey of more than 13,600 adults in the U.S. found that eating dark chocolate, which has many of the same compounds as cacao powder, may make you less likely to have symptoms of depression.

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].

Eating large amounts might cause caffeine-related side effects such as nervousness, increased urination, sleeplessness, and a fast heartbeat. Cocoa can cause allergic skin reactions and might also trigger migraine headaches. It can also cause nausea, stomach discomfort, constipation, and gas.

Cocoa in particular has been linked to lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and stroke, according to a 2013 study. There's also evidence that flavanol-rich foods, including cocoa and tea, have benefits for blood flow through the body, including reducing blood pressure as effectively as specialized diets.

This can lead to mood swings and feelings of irritability or fatigue. For individuals with a history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions, the consumption of chocolate or other high-sugar foods may be especially problematic.

What are the consequences of eating chocolates? Chocolate receives a lot of bad press because of its high fat and sugar content. Its consumption could be associated with acne, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.

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.

Researchers have found that chocolate contains a stimulant called phenethylamine (PEA). PEA also occurs naturally in the brain, and additional PEA consumption causes the brain to release dopamine and norepinephrine. Together, these three chemicals can trigger relaxation, elation and euphoria.

Chocolate may interact with some neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine (chocolate contains the dopamine precursor tyrosine), serotonin and endorphins (contained in cocoa and chocolate) that contribute to appetite, reward and mood regulation.