Chocolate - Food for Good Mood?

How is it that a bite of sweet and smooth white chocolate instantly boosts my mood whenever I find myself stressed? Is it the savory flavor, the way it gently melts on your tongue, or how its sweet bliss immediately lifts my spirits and makes the world seem like a better place?

A bit too dramatic? I don't think so.

Researchers agree on chocolate's stress relieving properties which trigger a release of endorphins - the perpetual feel-good hormones - in the brain of the chocolate lover. Chocolate is also able to balance other bodily hormones. Of course, dark chocolate seems to hold an advantage over other varieties, including the more popular milk chocolate. But hey, who's complaining? All you biochemically imbalanced individuals, grab yourself a bar of dark chocolate and let your sweet tooth take over for the moment. Feel better?

Good. Then consider this: The dark chocolate you just ate holds sufficient amounts of antioxidants to avert damage caused by free radicals and provides protection against heart disease. Flavenoids found in dark chocolate somewhat resemble those found in dark leafy vegetables and offer similar health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

Amazing right? Who would have guessed that one of our most endorsed sweet sins actually holds so many unknown advantages. Of course, bear in mind that too much of a good thing can be overkill. Although chocolate stems from the cocoa plant, it does not account for fruit or vegetable intake. Some chocolates are very high in sugar and even overconsumption of dark chocolate can lead to rapid weight gain.

Additionally, chocolate contains active ingredients that can evoke cravings and addictive behavior.

So is chocolate then like a drug? Well, partially. Eating the sugary treat can trigger serotonin release which not only alleviates pain, but also puts us into a happier state overall. But ingredients are only half to blame. The sweet aroma of chocolate can be therapeutic as well, transitioning us into a blissful state of mind.

But careful. If your need for chocolate is purely emotional, then try to limit your intake or abstain entirely. Emotional eating has been linked to feelings of low self-esteem and easy mood changes.