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Step 1
In a world where it seems as if everything that tastes good is unhealthy, chocolate stands out as a delicious exception to the rule. Not only has dark chocolate consumption been associated with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease, this sweet treat is also thought to be a mood booster. This should come as no surprise to the majority of people. Who doesn’t feel good when they bite into a chunk of dark chocolate?
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Step 2
Why does chocolate make people feel so good that it can be classified as a mood booster? Chocolate has a variety of ingredients that are thought to alter brain biochemistry in a positive manner. For one, chocolate contains tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin, which plays an important role in elevating the mood. Many prescription anti-depressants work by elevating serotonin levels. Although chocolate is a mood booster, it also may play a role in relieving anxiety. This is due to the presence of GABA, a protein that has a calming effect on the mood. Whatever your mood, chocolate seems to have the power to improve it. No wonder, it’s the all-natural mood booster of choice.
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Step 3
A study published in the journal Appetite in 1996 showed that women who ate a chocolate bar rated their mood as more positive for up to an hour-and-a-half after. Although most women in the study felt more “joyous” after finishing the candy bar, a few experienced guilt because of the calorie consumption. All the women in the study reported decreased hunger after finishing the chocolate bar.
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Step 4
If there’s any doubt that chocolate is a mood booster, the next study is bound to convince you. A survey conducted in the U.K. of 1,524 women showed that over half of them said they would choose chocolate over sex if asked to make the choice. It seems the mood boosting properties of chocolate may satisfy some portion of our brain in a manner that supersedes even sex.
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Step 5
Interestingly, a study has also shown that almost half of people who are depressed report craving chocolate treats. The researchers attributed this craving to the fact that chocolate stimulates the release of brain endorphins which elevate the mood and help to relieve pain. These are the same brain chemicals responsible for the runner’s high that so many runners seek to achieve. In our fast paced, complicated world, is it any surprise that so people crave chocolate?
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Step 6
The next time you’re feeling a bit down, why not reach for a bar of luscious dark chocolate, the natural mood booster? Then, enjoy it without a speck of guilt.
Comments
slphilbrick said
on 2/1/2009 I do love my dark chocolate and you give all the reasons why ! I, too, have written a chocolate article....a wonderful topic and indulgence ! 5*
jenkinr said
on 1/30/2009 Wow, my wife and I love to have some dark chocolate with our tea. I did not realize chocolate had such benefits. I'm wondering if I shouldn't eat more of it. :-) 5 *