Is Chocolate a Mood Food?

You've heard things about chocolate: chocolate makes you feel good, in love, amorous, calm, not depressed.  Fact or fiction?

There is no doubt chocolate brings about chemical reactions in the body, in fact, all food stimulates endorphins in the brain when eaten.  But even with all that going on, scientists have yet to find sufficient evidence that proves chocolate and other “mood foods” can cause enough bodily changes to be noticeable.

Scientists know that neurotransmitters affect the brain. High levels of serotonin are associated with feelings of being calm, happy, and relaxed; and dopamine and norepinephrine cause feelings of pleasure and reward. The physiological connection between food and brain chemicals has been documented but the effects are usually not enough to make a real difference in our moods.

Chocolate does contain a mood lifting chemical called PEA (phenylethylamine). PEA is a central nervous system stimulant but the human body can only absorb very small amounts from chocolate.  Again, this is not enough to affect our emotions.

If questioned, however, many people are convinced that chocolate makes them feel better, giving them a sense of well being and happiness.  So what if the science can’t prove it?  Who wouldn’t feel good after eating a velvety smooth, creamy delicious, melt in your mouth chocolate bar?

Bryn Kirk

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