Nibbling on dark chocolate—especially varieties containing 75% cacao or more—may do more than satisfy your sweet tooth. Studies have shown that dark chocolate can actually improve your mood, thanks to its rich concentration of mood-enhancing compounds.
The key ingredient, cacao, contains flavonoids and natural stimulants that can help increase serotonin levels in the brain, promoting feelings of happiness and calm.
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.
By stimulating the brain’s release of this neurotransmitter, dark chocolate can act as a natural mood booster. In addition to its potential mental health benefits, dark chocolate also offers antioxidants and other compounds that may support heart health. So next time you’re feeling low, a small square of dark chocolate might be just the pick-me-up you need.
Source: researchoutreach.org
