Dark chocolates can have a positive impact on mood and mental health, and may help with stress, anxiety, or depression, in several ways:
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- Polyphenols: Cocoa contains polyphenols, which can reduce stress and anxiety and help keep cells healthy because of its antioxidant properties.
- Endorphins: Chocolate triggers the release of endorphins – the neurotransmitters released by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain, which as natural hormones, can alleviate pain, lower stress, improve mood, and enhance the sense of well-being.
- Serotonin: Chocolate helps the secretion of more serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), which is produced in the brain and the gastrointestinal tract from the essential amino acid tryptophan obtained from food. Serotonin is the chemical messenger that plays a key role in mood regulation and helps regulate sleep and wake cycles.
- Cortisol: Dark chocolate can regulate cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone”, as it is released when the body experiences stress. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys. The pituitary gland, located in the brain, regulates how much cortisol the adrenal glands release
- Caffeine: Caffeine can stimulate dopamine, a brain chemical that can reduce anxiety, elevate mood, and enhance motivation levels. A study (https://shorturl.at/ZUlAD) found that low doses of caffeine can significantly reduce anxiety and elevate mood. Another study (https://shorturl.at/iNsPn) found a significant positive relationship between the levels of caffeine consumption and perceived stress.
- Brain function: Cocoa contains flavonols and antioxidants that can improve blood flow to the brain.
A 2019 study (https://shorturl.at/80s1K) conducted by researchers at University College in London found that dark chocolate consumption has a strong beneficial impact on mood and mental health and can significantly reduce depressive symptoms. A more recent study in 2022 (http://bit.ly/3ZiE48h) found that dark chocolate can help reduce negative emotions by changing the composition of bacterial species in the intestines.
