Chocolates And Stress

WRITTEN BY DASANI DASSANAYAKE CLASS OF 2025

This blog describes behind the scenes of why we crave chocolate; some biochemistry and other interesting facts! Have you ever wondered about why eating chocolates feel so good and why it’s hard to resist the temptation to? Read on to find out!

INTRODUCTION

With exams and deadlines looming ahead, most of us begin to crave sweet treats like chocolates and candy. It is a well-known fact that dark chocolate with at least 50-70 % cocoa helps in reduction of stress levels. Well, the underlying mechanism is quite simple but fascinating at the same time. And for those of you who aren't fond of dark chocolates but prefer the milk version, there's some good news for you too.

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT COCOA

To begin with, cocoa is the key ingredient in chocolate. Approximately 300 compounds have been identified in cocoa, including vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. Tryptophan is used for the production of serotonin, a mood booster in the body. Sufficient levels of serotonin help to elevate mood by lowering feelings of anxiety.

Phenylethylamine, also known as the love chemical, is a stimulator of the hormone dopamine which is responsible for the feelings of pleasure and reward. Chocolates contain small amounts of theobromine and to a lesser extent, caffeine. These compounds together provide a slight boost in energy without the jitteriness associated with taking caffeine alone.

BEHIND THE SCENES OF HEAVENLY BLISS

The bliss molecule of chocolate, anandamide is a significant mood booster. Although only present in minute quantities, its beneficial effect is not to be underestimated. Anandamide is an endogenous cannabinoid substance found in the human brain linked to feelings of happiness and bliss. Another two structurally related compounds of anandamide, N-oleolethanolamine (OEA) and N-linoleoylethanolamine (18:3 NAE) both of which are found in much greater quantities than the former, supplement anandamide’s action by inhibiting its metabolism thereby prolonging its activity.

The key stimulant in chocolate is theobromine. On its own, it functions as a mood booster and it has an additive effect on anandamide and other mood enhancers. Undoubtedly, mood is dependent on a good night’s sleep, and chocolates being a wonderful source of magnesium definitely help! Magnesium is a vital vitamin needed for countless functions, including the regulation of sleep and mood.

Moving onto flavonoids, a type of polyphenols that enhances the cerebral perfusion rates, is essential for the proper functioning of the brain. Studies revealed that subjects who had taken cocoa flavonoids showed improved cognitive function in arithmetic tasks in contrast to the control group. Furthermore, they are postulated to improve memory function even though the exact mechanism isn’t known.

Enough biochemistry for now! Almost everyone enjoys a piece of chocolate, be it dark, white or milk every now and then. What makes chocolate so special in comparison to other sweets is that it melts at 30 degree celsius which is lower than our body temperature. This greatly contributes to the phenomenal feeling known and loved by all where chocolates are concerned. The smooth and silky feel of chocolates melting in your mouth with a delightful sweetness leads the body to release endorphins, the feel good hormones. It is clear as day as to why we reach out for chocolates in times of stress.

CONCLUSION

In general, dark chocolates offer the greatest health benefits owing to the higher cocoa content. Nevertheless, milk chocolates offer similar benefits but to a lesser extent due to the relatively high sugar and fat content. Hence, it cannot be regarded as an unhealthy treat. Sadly, white chocolate is the unhealthiest from the three varieties as it has no cocoa solids. It is rather rich in sugar, fat and cocoa butter. Much of the health benefits of chocolates are derived from cocoa solids, and it is the percentage of cocoa which determines whether it is dark or milk chocolate. Indulge in chocolates guilt free at times of stress, just be careful not to over indulge !!!!