The effects of chocolate on emotions

It is a common perception that chocolate is a mood lifter, although some people believe that it causes headaches and migraines. Although it is widely accepted that chocolate affects our mood, the research on it is still in a fluid state. Every argument is fiercely debated. We will discuss various ways that chocolate affects our moods and emotions, according to the current set of beliefs.

Chocolate affects us both negatively and positively. Some people, when they are sad or depressed, experience a craving for chocolate. Eating chocolate they report that their mood is elevated and they feel better. However, this mood elevation is temporary and when this effect wears off, they return to their previous state of mind.

There are many health benefits that are attributed to chocolates. It’s good for the heart. It increases the responsiveness of blood vessels, which is helpful in preventing heart disease. It also increases glucose tolerance. Chocolate also contains some substances that have an antioxidant effect. This is helpful in preventing cancer.

Chocolate is reported to cause headache, obesity, rectal itching, heartburn, and emotional problems such as irritability, confusion, anger, and depression.

Chocolate is rich in carbohydrates, which increase the speed with which tryptophan enters the brain. This increases the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates moods, creating a good feeling.

The addictive property of chocolate is also well documented. This is evidenced by the fact that some people, when trying to give up alcohol, rely on chocolate to satisfy their cravings. This drug-like property is attributed to the caffeine, anandamines, phenylethylamine, and magnesium that are present in chocolate. The presence of caffeine and magnesium can contribute to a feeling of craving chocolate. Anandamides affect the brain in a similar way to marijuana, although research in this field is still debated.

There are over 350 chemicals in chocolate. Some of these are thought to cause allergic reactions. Some scientists believe that phenylethylamine and theobromine might cause changes in mood. Phenylethylamine causes blood pressure and blood sugar to increase. It generates a feeling of alertness and satisfaction, thus creating a feeling of well-being. But, a brief period of emotional high is followed by a period of emotional low. Theobromine is found naturally in cocoa and acts as an antidepressant, but is known to be toxic to animals.

Eating chocolate can also give rise to a feeling of anxiety. Phenylethylamine is said to cause dilation of blood vessels in the brain and cause headaches. Although it is still debatable whether phenylethylamine reaches the brain.

An ounce of chocolate contains 20 mg of caffeine. Research on the effects of caffeine has reported that caffeine can cause sleep problems, restlessness, irritability, heartburn, and anxiety. Caffeine withdrawal causes fatigue and headaches.

Tyramine is another amino acid present in chocolate. Although it is not certain if a significant amount of tyramine reaches the brain, it is known to cause blood vessels to expand and contract causing dull headaches.

Women seem to crave chocolate more than men, including diabetics. Some of these women reported that only chocolate and nothing else could satisfy their cravings. The presence of magnesium in chocolate may explain the fact that during PMS (Post Menstrual Syndrome) the craving for chocolate increases in women, since during this period a magnesium deficiency can arise.

With all this conflicting information about the effects of chocolate on mood, you have to look from your experiences and decide if chocolate is right for you. But certainly large amounts of chocolate will affect us physically or emotionally in one way or another.