Why Does Chocolate Make You Happy?

Is chocolate good for you?

The benefits of cocoa, the main ingredient of chocolate:

• Powerful source of antioxidants.
• May improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
• Raises HDL and protects LDL from oxidation.
• May reduce heart disease risk.
• May protect your skin from the sun.
• Could improve brain function.

Once a year we kinda OD on chocolate

The stores are loaded with Halloween candy already, and I usually stack up on the best ones in time, before they sell out. I love chocolate, and I treat myself to a piece of my favorites, every day.

However, I'm ashamed to admit that my most favorites, the creamy, melt in your mouth scrumptious truffles usually don't make it into the treat bowl.
Okay, I’m a little selfish when it comes to my chocolate.

When is it too much?

Cocoa itself, unlike chocolate, is low in sugar and fat while offering potential health benefits.
However, most commercial chocolate has ingredients that add fat, sugar and calories. And too much can contribute to weight gain, a risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

Are you a chocoholic?

A chocoholic is a person who craves or compulsively consumes chocolate. The word chocoholic come from playfully blending the words "chocolate" and "alcoholic".

The term is used loosely or humorously to describe a person who is inordinately fond of chocolate. However, there is medical evidence to support the existence of actual addiction to chocolate.

Is chocolate a drug?

Chocolate is not a controlled substance, and it cannot be prescribed, which means, it is not a drug.

Why does chocolate make you happy?

Researchers have found that cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, causes the brain to release the “feel good” chemicals, called endorphins.
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The sugar in the chocolate also plays a role in this. Because the insulin released in response to the sugar facilitates the release of tryptophan to the brain, the effect is the feeling of happiness.

Is it okay to eat a chocolate every day?

​You can eat chocolate, even on a diet, and yes, it is okay to eat chocolate every day. Thinking of a diet as daily deprivation makes people feeling sad, cheated, and unsatisfied. Instead, look at diet in a different way. Take all the foods you eat into account.

How much chocolate is healthy?

Even though quality dark chocolate is a better choice than milk chocolate, it is still chocolate. It's high in calories and saturated fat.

​To avoid weight gain, it’s been recommended eating no more than 1 ounce of chocolate per day, dark chocolate is a better choice.

I'm totally addicted. What should I do?

You can beat your excessive chocolate cravings by filling up on something else before you treat yourself. Once you aren't hungry anymore, the intrusive thoughts about chocolate should subside, and you’d be satisfied with eating a small piece.

​Look for foods that are low in sugar and high in protein or whole grains. These foods will keep you full longer, and also prevent a sugar crash.

Interesting facts

Perhaps your body lacking something that causes to crave chocolate. Chocolate cravings are often caused by low magnesium levels, just like cravings for meat or cheese are seen as a sign of low iron or calcium levels.

​You can lessen food cravings by providing your body with the vital nutrients it needs to correct the nutrient deficiency.

Historically chocolate has been reported to exert several effects on human sexuality, mainly acting as an effective aphrodisiac by increasing desire and improving pleasure.