This one is for all the chocolate lovers out there, who need a little pick-me-up after work, on Sundays, or during cold winter afternoons.
Every bite of chocolate is like a comforting hug with a smile. And while this should be the case for any self-respecting comfort food, we can’t deny that it’s also a matter of brain chemistry when it comes to chocolate!
Serotonin
Let's start here, with serotonin – the feel-good hormone. One of the main reasons why we feel happier when we eat chocolate is because it helps raise our serotonin levels. But within this indulgent elixir of happiness, tryptophan, a molecule useful for synthesizing serotonin in the body, is also present in good amounts. So bite after bite, we’re increasing our chances of increasing the good-mood hormone in our body. To make us smile a little more. But that's not all. Chocolate also contains modest amounts of salsolinol and salsolin, which are dopamine-derived alkaloids that work as natural antidepressants in the body, as well.
The craving effect
The common definition of the craving effect is “the compulsive desire for a psychoactive substance for a food, but also for objects or other gratifying substances.” And although there is a strong emotional component that drives us to crave specific foods and to consume them constantly (and in abundant amounts), cocoa and chocolate contain substances that are capable of creating a slight dependence. For this reason, it’s best not to go overboard with it. Just a square of chocolate a day is a good habit.
Happiness in slices
And now that we understand why we feel happier with a piece of chocolate in our hands, all that's left is to indulge in a few joyful bites, perhaps of your favorite cake. Or maybe one of these 15 recipes we’ve tried and loved? Ready to get yourself in a good mood?