How do you typically lift your spirits when you're feeling low or downcast? Perhaps you reach for a piece of chocolate or savour a bowl of chocolate ice cream. Chocolate has an undeniable ability to elevate our mood whenever needed. However, have you ever pondered the reasons behind this phenomenon? While many attribute it to the comforting and delightful taste, there's more to the story - a scientific explanation behind the connection between chocolate and happiness. Intrigued? Let's delve into the fascinating details.
Link Between Chocolate And Happiness: Why Chocolate Makes You Happy?
Chocolate, especially the dark ones, helps us cope with stress. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which, according to health experts, have the natural ability to uplift your mood.
According to a study by the Center for Human Pharmacology at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, certain components, including the antioxidants in chocolate, help produce serotonin (a neurotransmitter) in the brain that further makes us feel happy and relaxed. These components found in dark chocolate are tryptophan, phenylethylalanine, and theobromine.
The study further explained that phenylethylamine acts as a natural-acting antidepressant and helps release dopamine naturally, maintaining overall well-being. For the unversed, proper dopamine levels in humans help with improved focus, attention, and cognitive function, and keep you active.
Also Read: Ragi Hot Chocolate Recipe: Proof That Health And Happiness Can Coexist In A Steamy Cup!
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Is It Okay To Eat Chocolate Every Day? How Much Chocolate Can You Have In A Day?
Chocolate indeed makes us happy. But as stated by Nutritionist Simrun Chopra, "There's nothing called good food and bad food. It is all about the balance you create through your diet." She always suggests having every type of food but in moderation to enjoy them for a longer time.
According to the British Heart Foundation, a 50-gram chocolate bar contains 250 kcal. So you must be mindful while eating it to avoid complications, including obesity, increased cholesterol, high blood sugar levels, etc.
The BHF report also states that dark chocolate contains more cocoa and cocoa butter when compared to milk chocolate, but the amount of polyphenol (antioxidant) depends much on how the chocolate is processed - meaning, all dark chocolates are not necessarily healthier.
Now, this brings us to the BIG question - how much chocolate is too much? According to a report on medium.com, experts suggest that one can have up to 30 grams of dark chocolate a day to enjoy all the benefits.
However, the best practice is to consult an expert and understand your dosage, depending on age, gender, health, and other factors. Eat mindfully and stay fit!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
About Somdatta SahaExplorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day.