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| Cocoa Beans, pastel, Sean Kirkpatrick |
1. Not unlike St.
John’s Wort, dark chocolate is one of nature’s gifts for mood enhancement.
2. Chocolate triggers
the release of endorphins (natural opiates) into your brain, causing a decrease
in pain and stress while inducing euphoria.
3. Chocolate contains
serotonin, a mood-altering antidepressant, and it also contains tryptophan,
which ensures the release of serotonin
into your bloodstream and brain.
4. Chocolate contains
phenyl ethylamine, known as chocolate
amphetamine because it induces excitement and alertness.
5. Another compound
found in chocolate is anandamide, similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the
salient ingredient in marijuana, which produces dopamine, leading to a feeling
of wellbeing and happiness; it is no accident that its name derives from ananda, Sanskrit for bliss.
6. Yet another compound
found in chocolate: theobromine, which
affects the nervous system, causing mental and physical relaxation while heightening
alertness; the Greek word theobroma
translates to food of the gods.
7. Chocolate also
contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system.
8. Dark chocolate
lowers bad cholesterol and reduces blood pressure, thereby increasing arterial blood
flow.
9. To enjoy the
mood-enhancing effects of dark chocolate, avoid commercial brands, which dilute
the all-important cocoa bean with other ingredients that negate its benefits; search
out gourmet brands that offer at least 60 percent cocoa content.
10. One ounce of dark chocolate daily is enough to enjoy the
full spectrum of its benefits.
