Blissed Out! The Science Behind Why Dark Chocolate Makes You Feel Good
March 19, 2015
Ever wonder why your mood magically improves after having Dark Chocolate? Although the great taste certainly does have something to do with this blissful feeling, there are actual chemical reactions happening in your brain when you eat Dark Chocolate that trigger feelings of happiness and even euphoria!
A Little Background
Before we delve into the science of eating and drinking Dark Chocolate, first we need to look at the origins of Dark Chocolate as we know it today. Thousands of years ago deep in Central America’s rainforest, the Mayans first discovered the sensuous flavor of cacao (pronounced kah-cow), better known today as Dark Chocolate. They roasted and ground beans from the Theobroma cacao tree—a botanical name literally meaning “food of the gods”—and combined them with aromatic flowers, vanilla and wild honey to create a bitter, spicy concoction they called chocolatl. For centuries, this delicacy remained a Central American secret, until the 1700s, when it made its way to Europe and the American colonies.
Feeling Good
So, what it is about this “food of the gods” that makes us feel so good? Well, first let’s talk about serotonin – the feel good brain chemical. Consuming Dark Chocolate increases the serotonin level in your brain. Serotonin plays a major role in emotional health, positive mood, balanced appetite and sleep patterns. This increased serotonin level in your brain is the reason why after a bad day, reaching for delicious Dark Chocolate is so appealing – it really does boost your mood and make you happy!
More Energy = A Happier You
If you’re feeling run down, it’s no secret than having a bit of Dark Chocolate can give you the get-up-and go to get through the day. The reason for this increased boost of energy is because Dark Chocolate contains theobromine, caffeine’s kinder and gentler cousin. Theobromine, like caffeine, stimulates the central nervous system and increases blood flow to vital organs; however it is much milder in its effects. This creates a natural boost that keeps you happy and energized for hours.
Dark Chocolate Euphoria
Another reason why Dark Chocolate makes you feel so good is the bliss-inducing neurotransmitter anandamide. Anandamide is a chemical that not only exists in Dark Chocolate, but is also produced naturally in the human brain. It is thought that the chemical compounds in Dark Chocolate help keep anandamide around longer in our brains, creating feelings of happiness and euphoria. To put it another way—eating or drinking Dark Chocolate equals pure bliss!
To learn more about how to feel blissed out with Mayesa or where to buy this delicious and healthy Dark Chocolate Drink, visit our store locator page. You can also order online. Here’s to feeling happy and energetic with Dark Chocolate!
