Chocolate. The feeling of delight triggered by a mouthful is familiar to many of us. Its visual aspect, its scent, its taste, the sound it makes when we bite into it, the sensation once in the mouth – chocolate provides an experience that activates all of our senses. Of course, not everyone loves chocolate, but most of us do. Some of us will even happen to crave it from time to time, may it be out of boredom, as a coping mechanism, or for no reason other than the joy it brings. But what about chocolate makes it so irresistible?
Scientists have tried to answer this question. Some facts about chocolate are now widely accepted, while some theories are still debated. 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. How chocolate triggers this reaction in the brain is a bit more unclear. Compounds found in chocolate may be responsible, but they are present in such small quantities that their role is still questioned.
Chemicals the brain releases
Four chemicals are known to be released by the brain when eating chocolate: endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. These chemicals are used by neurons to communicate with one another.
Endorphins are natural pain relievers; their name actually comes from a contraction of the words ‘endogenous’ (which means ‘from within’) and ‘morphine’. These chemicals interact with receptors in our brain. Their function is double: besides reducing pain, they also boost pleasure. They are released by the brain in response to pain or stress, but also during enjoyable activities such as eating chocolate.
Four chemicals are known to be released by the brain when eating chocolate: endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin.
Serotonin is commonly associated with happiness. People with depression or anxiety often have low levels of serotonin. This chemical is able to improve our mood, our satisfaction, our optimism, and our overall wellbeing.
Dopamine is involved in what is called the reward system: when the brain releases dopamine, the chemical activates parts of the brain known as pleasure centres, which make us feel good. Dopamine makes our pupils dilate, a sign that is often associated with love and attraction.
Oxytocin is another chemical which could explain why eating chocolate is so enjoyable. Oxytocin is involved in social bonding. The brain releases this chemical in response to love, for example every time we hug someone and also, it seems, whenever we eat chocolate.
The power of chocolate
Different compounds of chocolate are suspected to be involved in the chemical reactions happening inside the brain. Tryptophan is used to make serotonin. Phenylethylamine is a natural antidepressant that produces feelings similar to falling in love. Theobromine has a relaxing effect and helps relieve stress. However, these compounds are present in chocolate in such small quantities that they may be entirely digested before they can even reach the brain.
‘Eat, you’ll feel better’, said Lupin in one of the Harry Potter movies while handing a chocolate bar to Harry. The fact that chocolate is nice to eat and makes us feel better is widely accepted, and this mindset may be what creates the feeling of happiness: it could be that eating chocolate makes us happy just because we are convinced of its benefits.
While scientists attempt to unlock the mysteries of chocolate, all that is left to do is eat and enjoy!
Daphnée Poupon is a science writer based in France.
FAQs
"Love, Romance & Chocolate" was filmed entirely in the breathtaking locations of Brugge, Ghent and Brussels in Belgium! Listen to "The Way You Look Tonight" performed by Maroon 5 and featured in "Love, Romance & Chocolate."
Why do people love chocolate so much? ›
You see, chocolate has the ability to boost our levels of serotonin and endorphins, which promote feelings of happiness and pleasure in the brain. So, when we're feeling down or stressed, reaching for a square of dark chocolate could be considered a form of self-care.
What does the winner of School of Chocolate get? ›
Eight contestants compete against each other in a series of innovative cooking challenges, creating elaborate chocolate sculptures as they aim for the title of 'best in the class' and a monetary prize sum of $50,000.
How is chocolate related to love? ›
Not many will know but chocolate is considered to be an aphrodisiac food, releasing brain soothing chemicals which increase energy and desire levels. Chocolate is proven to produce a natural high which elevates a person's mood and this is often equated to feeling in love.
Where are most Hallmark movies filmed? ›
I live in a Canadian town where hundreds of Hallmark movies are filmed. From roaming peaco*cks to fake snow, here's what it's like. I live in picturesque Victoria, British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada.
What town was Chocolat filmed in? ›
Filming took place between May and August 2000 in the medieval village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain in the region of Burgundy and on the Rue De L'ancienne Poste in Beynac-et-Cazenac in Dordogne. The river scenes were filmed at Fonthill Lake at Fonthill Bishop in Wiltshire and interior scenes at Shepperton Studios, England.
Why do girls eat a lot of chocolate? ›
In women, according to numerous studies, cravings for chocolate seem to correspond to hormone changes (menstruation, pregnancy etc). Women also suffer a serotonin decrease in the week before menstruation that leads to a fall in other hormones in their systems this in turn leads to a craving for chocolate.
Why is chocolate so good on your period? ›
Studies suggest that eating between 40–120 grams of dark chocolate daily during your period may help reduce pain. This is probably because dark chocolate is rich in magnesium, which can relax muscles and ease aches.
What to eat when craving chocolate? ›
Hunger masquerading as a chocolate craving means you need a snack that will satisfy and keep you fuller longer. Reach for something high in protein, which takes longer than other nutrients to digest: Greek yogurt, beef jerky, hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter, tuna, cottage cheese, protein bars.
Why did schools stop giving chocolate milk? ›
The USDA had proposed limiting flavored milk after an analysis found it was the largest source of added sugars in schools, making up around half in lunches from students drinking options like chocolate or strawberry-flavored milk instead of plain, unflavored versions.
Can I buy Chef Amaury's creations and pastries? He does not sell the creations made during his demonstrations/classes as his main focus is education. Is Chef Amaury's recipe book available in french? No, as of today Chef Amaury's recipe book “The Art of Flavor” is only available in english.
How old is the guy from School of Chocolate? ›
Despite being told by his teachers that he would never amount to anything, Amaury Guichon refused to give up on his dreams. Today, at the young age of 32, he has become the world's most famous chocolatier, boasting 50 million followers on social media. He has also founded his own pastry academy.
What hormone is released when you eat chocolate? ›
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 giving chocolate to a girl mean? ›
Chocolate has been associated with love and desire largely because of its delicious taste and its ability to delight the senses. In addition, it is believed that certain compounds in cocoa, such as phenylethylamine, can produce feelings of euphoria and happiness, which has reinforced its link to romantic emotions.
What part of chocolate is considered the love drug? ›
Phenylethylamine triggers the "reward centres" in the brain, which entices repeat behaviour by the consumer. Phenylethylamine is also known to be released by the brain when we fall in love. In instances where chocolate consists of sufficient phenylethylamine, an addiction is likely to occur.
Where is the chocolate factory located in the movie? ›
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Locations
Most interior scenes were shot at Bavaria Studios in Geiselgasteig, Grünwald, while exterior shots for Wonka's factory were filmed at Stadtwerke München.
Where is the castle in the Hallmark movie Love Romance and Chocolate? ›
The Belgian royal palace is actually in Brussels. There is a hotel in Bruges that had been a Duke's palace in the 15th century.
What Hallmark movie takes place in Belgium? ›
Love Romance and Chocolate is a Hallmark romantic film starring Mean Girls Lacey Chabert and Royal Matchmaker Will Kemp and tells the story of a young woman named Emma who is just dumped by her boyfriend and decides to go off to Belgium herself.
Where are Hallmark movies filmed in Canada? ›
While Vancouver serves as a picture-perfect backdrop for several Hallmark shows, productions are also filmed in nearby Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Langley, Squamish, Surrey and Abbotsford.
