Chocolate

The chocolate effects us both negatively and positively. Some people, when they are sad or depressed, experience a craving for chocolate. On eating chocolate they report that their mood is elevated, and they feel better. This elevation in mood is temporary, though, and when this effect wears off, they again revert to their previous state of mind.

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

The chocolate is reported to cause headache, obesity, rectal itching, heart burn and emotional problems like irritability, confusion, anger and depression.

The chocolate is rich in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates increase the rate with which tryptophan enters brain. This increases the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates moods, creating an emotion of feeling good in our minds.

Addictive property of chocolate is also well documented. This is evidenced by the fact that some people, when trying to give up alcohol, depend on chocolate to satisf their cravings. This drug-like property of chocolate is attributed to caffeine, anandamines, phenylethylamine and magnesium that are present in chocolate. Presence of caffeine and magnesium can contribute to a feeling of craving for chocolate. Ananadmides affect the brain similar to marijuana, though research in this field is still debated.

There are more than 350 chemicals in chocolate. Some of these are believed to cause allergic reactions. Some scientists believe that phenylethylamine and theobromine could cause changes in moods. Phenylethylamine causes blood pressure and blood sugar to rise. It generates a feeling of alertness and contentment thus creating a feeling of well being. But, a short period of emotional high is followed by a period of emotional low. Theobromine is found naturally in cocoa and acts as an anti-depressant.

Theobromine has been 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 brain causing headaches. Though it is still debatable whether phenylethylamine reaches the brain.

One ounce of chocolate contains 20 mg of caffeine. Researches on the effects of caffeine have reported that caffeine can cause problems in sleep, restlessness, irritability, heartburn and anxiety. Withdrawal from caffeine causes fatigue and headaches.

Tyramine is another amino acid present in chocolates. Though it is not certain whether any significant amount of tyramine reaches brain, yet it is known that it causes blood vessels to expand and contract causing dull headaches.

Women appear to crave chocolates more than men. Among diabetes it is reported that women crave chocolates more than males. Some amongst these women reported that only chocolates and nothing else could satisfy their craving. The presence of magnesium in chocolate can account for the fact that during PMS (Post Menstrual Syndrome) craving for chocolate increases in women, as during this period a deficiency of magnesium may arise.

With all this contradictory information on effects of chocolate on moods, one has to observe from one’s experiences and decide whether chocolate is right for one. But, certainly, large amounts of chocolate will effect us physically or emotionally one way or another.

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