There are many reasons why chocolate seems so good
Chocolate’s major active ingredient is cocoa, a significant source of the stimulant theobromine so will help to give you a boost. Chocolate also contains the mood-enhancing stimulant phenethylamine – this is thought to be the same neurotransmitte that gives you a runners high and makes you feels so great when you fall in love. Both theobromine and phenethylamine stimulate dopamine production – which is the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter.
chocolate is also high in sugar and caffeine both of which will give you a quick energy boost – great you may think, however this will always result in an energy crash as your blood sugar levels attempt to right themselves and this crash will lead to cravings meaning you just can’t say no to another bar.
Cocoa beans that make chocolate are grown in countries where pesticides use is unregualted meaning that chocolate is full of pesticide residue.
There is some good news however chocolate is high in antioxidants – this only applies to the very dark kind, with a minimum of 70% cocoa solids, not cheap bars full of fat and sugar.
So if you really can’t resist a bit of chocolate keep to the dark stuff and opt for organic and keep it as a treat – I actually have what I call chocolate Sundays – I leave it alone in the week but have a weekly chocolate treat on Sundays.
