Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation and cognitive function, so it's no surprise that chocolate can immediately boost your mood on a bad day. Studies have shown that those who eat dark chocolate have significantly decreased chances of developing depressive episodes.
Other studies have shown that eating a moderate amount of dark chocolate may protect against heart disease and also help with memory. And when it comes to mental health, there is evidence to suggest that chocolate can have mood-boosting effects.
Dark chocolate is also associated with beneficial effects on mood and mental health. A 2019 study led by researchers at University College in London looked at data on more than 13,000 adults in the U.S. and their consumption of dark and milk chocolate.
Chocolate can boost your mood. Once again, researchers have found evidence of mental health benefits from eating chocolate. Though past studies have had conflicting results, the majority point to a positive link between chocolate consumption and a decrease in depressive symptoms or an elevated mood.
After taking into account the relevant variables, the researchers concluded that, overall, there was no association between chocolate consumption and a reduction in depressive symptoms. However, the story changed when they looked specifically at dark chocolate.
Chocolate does contain ingredients that can act as stimulants, which are known to elevate mood. However, these ingredients are present at quite low concentrations, which some feel are too low to cause an effect. Also, chocolate ingredients may boost production of "pleasure hormones" such as serotonin.
Dark chocolate
Share on Pinterest Researchers have found that dark chocolate may help reduce stress. Experts have long suspected that dark chocolate might help reduce stress and anxiety. Some research has found that dark chocolate or cocoa may improve mood via the gut-brain axis.
One explanation is to be found in the particular constituents of cacao, the main ingredient of chocolate, which are said to have a mood-enhancing effect. One of them is tryptophan. The body uses it to produce the mood-elevating substance of serotonin – also known as the happiness hormone.
Chocolate craving was common (45%) – and more likely in women – and a preferential choice (with only 10% nominating any alternative craved food). 'Importance' ratings indicated that those classed as 'depressed cravers' viewed chocolate as settling anxiety and irritability.
When we eat chocolate the anandamide - named after the Sanskrit word for 'bliss' coincidence, we think not, causes the production of dopamine. Dopamine is another feel-good chemical. Finally, chocolate releases endorphins into the brain and endorphins make us happy, they also decrease stress and pain levels.
Thus, eating chocolate can make your blood circulation better, enhance blood flow and improve your circulatory and cardiovascular systems. Drinking hot cocoa can also contribute to your well-being. It can give your brain a boost and clear the fog.
Chocolate contains serotonin and phenylethylamine. These are natural antidepressants and can help stimulate your mood.
It turns out that chocolate is very appealing in those prone to cognitive decline like individuals with or at risk of Alzheimer's disease because the flavonols – antioxidants found in certain plants (like cocoa) stimulate new brain cell growth and prevent existing brain cell death.
Some certain foods and nutrients are especially important for OCD recovery. Start by adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet. Moreover, you can get these nutrients from food or supplements. Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory and help improve mood.
Studies have found that there are multiple components within chocolate that can give us that feeling of happiness and satisfaction. 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.
Craving carbohydrates, or other sugary foods, can be the brain's way to self-soothe depressive feelings. This explains why a person might want something sweet to calm their nerves at the end of a tough day. But unfortunately, these happy feelings don't last.
Reduces inflammation.
Dark chocolate has a high concentration of flavanols, which have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. Inflammation has been associated with a variety of mental health issues, including depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and Alzheimer's disease.
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.
People tend to crave it because it makes people happy and it can actually lower your levels of stress as well. Chocolate contains some magnesium which women tend to be deficient in. This could explain why women seem to crave chocolate more than men.
However, because chocolate contains tryptophan, the resulting increase in serotonin can help explain why one might feel happier, calmer, or less anxious after eating a piece of their chocolate cake (Serotonin).
Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains — for example, oatmeal, quinoa, whole-grain breads and whole-grain cereals. Steer clear of foods that contain simple carbohydrates, such as sugary foods and drinks. Drink plenty of water. Even mild dehydration can affect your mood.
Foods naturally rich in magnesium may, therefore, help a person to feel calmer. Examples include leafy greens, such as spinach and Swiss chard. Other sources include legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Foods rich in zinc such as oysters, cashews, liver, beef, and egg yolks have been linked to lowered anxiety.
Look for foods with vitamins B, C and D.
Good sources of these vitamins include citrus fruits, berries, dark chocolate and herbal teas such as lavender or chamomile (avoid teas with caffeine). For the B vitamins in particular, choose whole grains and nuts.