Why do we feel happy when we eat chocolate?

Why Chocolate Makes Happy?

There is no doubt that chocolate is one of the most popular foods in the world. Children and adults love this food and generally have to avoid it for dietary and dental health reasons. It's no surprise that chocolate has been around for centuries. There is evidence that chocolate consumption can be traced back at least 4,000 years.

The Mokaya people of Mexico and Guatemala consumed it as a beverage. It has since spread all over the world and is loved by people in every part of the world. Chocolate consists of cocoa seeds, also called cocoa beans. These cocoa beans are processed into three types: dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate. Chocolate is not only a delicious dessert, but also has many benefits for our health. Most importantly, it makes you happy! Chocolate is one of the healthiest snacks you'll ever eat. Chocolate contains many chemicals that affect the brain.

Perceived by the brain as a reward

The scientifically proven effect of chocolate has meaning beyond hormones. Chocolate can make people feel better because it can have a positive effect on the brain. The brain sees the chocolate entering the body as a reward and ensures the secretion of endorphins. Dozens of compounds in its content reach the brain and trigger many hormones. The result is by the brain to feel happy.

Chocolate is more than happiness

Chocolate can feed the stomach and the brain at the same time. Chocolate is a very powerful antioxidant that fights cancer and benefits heart disease. Research on the benefits of chocolate shows that it is a magical and nutritious food. At the same time, cocoa powder is the main ingredient of chocolate, which ensures blood flow to the brain. This contributes to the improvement of brain function.

It should be consumed in the right amount

It is said that chocolate was consumed for therapeutic purposes in many historical sources and was even sold in pharmacies for a while. However, it is important to find the right size for everything and not miss the dose. Currently, the ideal amount is 20 grams per day. The healthiest option is dark chocolate with more cocoa.

 The Relationship of Chocolate with Hormones

In women, the decrease in estrogen hormones during menstruation increases the desire for sweets. This requirement is usually met with an easily accessible piece of chocolate stored in a corner of the refrigerator or home. During the menstrual period of women, serotonin and estrogen decrease together.

Chocolate consumed during this period can increase the serotonin content and balance the hormone content. The same is true for hunger. When they are hungry, serotonin and endorphins lower blood sugar, making people feel nervous and unhappy. That's why people crave sweets when they are hungry. A piece of chocolate balances hormone levels in a short time and people start to feel happier.

The Relationship of Chocolate with Depression

Research on chocolate allows us to learn something new every time and we are surprised. Now let's compare the chemicals in chocolate with prescription antidepressants. Research on chocolate and other foods found that an ingredient in the foods studied had the same effect as a "mood-stabilizing" drug given to people with depression.

This information explains why chocolate is so comforting. However, of course, those who use depression medication should not only resort to chocolate, they should definitely not stop taking medication without consulting a doctor. Chocolate and similar foods have positive properties in terms of taste and function. You can lead an active life with exercise support and regular quality sleep. As we have said, all these benefits are only the result of regular and moderate consumption.

Does the type and amount of chocolate you consume matter?

The answer to this question is yes. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate have completely different ingredients. Among them, dark chocolate is the healthiest chocolate. Eat less milk chocolate and white chocolate if possible.

Dark chocolate is mainly made from cocoa solids and cocoa butter and contains almost no sugar. Try to eat high-quality chocolate. Remember, too much is harmful and so is chocolate. Dark chocolate contains too many calories, which can cause weight gain. You should consume one or two small pieces a day.

Unknown Benefits of Chocolate

These days, where it is said that chocolate is harmful to health everywhere, there is no mention of the health benefits of chocolate.

However, when chocolate is consumed correctly, it has more benefits than harm to health.

1. It Makes You Happy

 According to the research, the consumption of chocolate makes people happy all of a sudden, thanks to the natural ingredients in it.

2. It is an appetite suppressant 

It has been observed that people lose their appetite when chocolate is consumed. The reason for this is that the ingredients in chocolate provide people with a feeling of satiety.

3. Good for the Heart

Regular and little chocolate consumption is very beneficial for heart health.

4. Good for Your Skin

Thanks to the oils in chocolate, chocolate makes your skin look brighter. It also shortens the treatment time of sunburns.

5. Regulates Blood Flow

Chocolate has been observed to regulate blood flow. In this way, it also shortens the healing time of wounds. It also regulates insulin levels in the blood.

6. It is prebiotic

Chocolate is a prebiotic food. So it keeps your intestines working properly.

7. Has Anti-Aging Properties

Thanks to the nutrients in chocolate, it is an anti-aging food. With its anti-aging properties, it delays your aging and nourishes you.