Psst.. I have a secret that can make you happy!

Do you savour the indulgence of chocolate? From delectable cakes to luscious ice creams, chocolate holds the top spot as the most popular flavour. Whether it be soothing period cramps or mending a broken heart, chocolates have consistently come to our aid. Despite the high calorie content, we are told to stay away from chocolates but enjoying a small piece of a bar occasionally is harmless. Even a small morsel of chocolate is sufficient to uplift our mental well-being, our worries tend to melt away while the chocolate melts into our mouth. Chocolates impact the intricate workings of our brain by releasing certain euphoric neurotransmitters that are responsible for transmitting happy signals and unleashing feel good hormones. 

The ingredients of chocolate are the underlying cause of these alterations in our emotional state and their beneficial impact on our physical well-being. The human body possesses diverse neurotransmitters that serve as chemical messengers. Serotonin is an example of neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in controlling individual’s mood, sleep patterns, digestive processes, and feelings of nausea, etc. A deficiency of serotonin is responsible for the manifestation of depression, anxiety, mania, and various other mood disorders. A constant or elevated level of serotonin can contribute to a sense of contentment and joy.

Chocolate is comprised of a compound known as Tryptophan. Tryptophan is the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Therefore, high chocolate consumption can increase the tryptophan level, directly resulting in an increased serotonin level. Serotonin, chemically known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a monoamine neurotransmitter in our body. This hormone carries molecular signal between nerve cells in our brain and throughout our body. The function of this chemical is to control vital functions of the body such as mood, learning, sexual behaviour, hunger, body temperature, and memory.  The levels of serotonin and its precursors can vary depending on the type of chocolate. For example, chocolate with a higher cocoa content tends to have higher serotonin levels. Additionally, the sensory quality of chocolate can also impact the perception of serotonin-related effects. Different types of chocolate, such as compound and couverture, can have distinct sensory qualities, including color, aroma, taste, and texture. The sensory quality of chocolate can influence the overall experience and enjoyment of consuming chocolate. Therefore, the combination of serotonin content and sensory quality contributes to the pleasurable effects of eating chocolate. An adequate daily recommended intake of dark chocolate ranges from 30 to 60 grams.

Reference

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7. Talton, C. W. (2020). Serotonin Syndrome/Serotonin Toxicity. Federal Practitioner, Vol 37 No 10. https://doi.org/10.12788/fp.0042
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Published by: Azilah