Studies have proven that, when we eat chocolate, our brain releases chemicals such as endorphins or serotonin, which are known to be associated with happiness and overall wellness.
Chocolate may interact with some neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine (chocolate contains the dopamine precursor tyrosine), serotonin and endorphins (contained in cocoa and chocolate) that contribute to appetite, reward and mood regulation.
Chocolate is linked to the neurotransmitter serotonin through a key compound that can be isolated from the chocolate bar itself: Tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid found in small quantities in chocolate and is also the precursor for Serotonin.
Dark chocolate
Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, has been shown to aid in the production of serotonin. So, if you feel happy after eating a piece of chocolate, you are not imagining it. The cacao in the chocolate is also rich in magnesium, which helps with brain function and mood enhancement.
There is no undisputed evidence that shows that chocolate can be used as an antidepressant. However, the research on chocolate may be one step into discovering how we can use food to aid in the treatment of mood disorders.
Certain drugs and substances such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, NutraSweet, antidepressants, and some cholesterol-lowering medications deplete serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels. Hormone changes cause low levels of serotonin and neurotransmitter imbalances.
You can also limit foods that can negatively affect serotonin levels. Alcohol, aspartame, caffeine, trans fat, and fructose can be limited or eliminated from your diet to support healthy serotonin levels.
Serotonin is degraded by the enzyme monoamine oxidase to give the metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Studies assessing serotonin levels within the brain primarily assay the presence of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid because serotonin is highly labile.
Avocado is rich in tryptophan, which is a pre-cursor to serotonin, which is our feel-good chemical. It also has folate and Omega 3 in it.”
Another popular myth that is widespread on the Internet is that bananas improve mood because of their serotonin content. Although it is true that bananas contain serotonin, it does not cross the blood–brain barrier.
One explanation is to be found in the particular constituents of cacao, the main ingredient of chocolate, which are said to have a mood-enhancing effect. One of them is tryptophan. The body uses it to produce the mood-elevating substance of serotonin – also known as the happiness hormone.
Chocolate containing 85 percent cocoa has the most serotonin, with 2.9 micrograms per gram, and chocolate containing 70 to 85 percent cocoa has the most of the serotonin precursor L-tryptophan, with 13.3 micrograms per gram, according to a study published in "Journal of Chromatography A" in April 2012.
Consuming sugar increases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, memory, and social behavior. Because sugar boosts serotonin levels, you feel happier (but only temporarily), so your brain keeps craving this “happy” chemical again and again.
It's also possible to increase serotonin levels without taking medicine. One natural way to increase serotonin is by working out. When you pedal your bicycle or lift weights, your body releases more tryptophan, the amino acid your brain uses to make serotonin.
The serotonin test measures the level of serotonin in the blood. Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Chronic caffeine intake has been shown to increase the receptors of serotonin (26-30% increase), GABA (65% increase), and acetylcholine (40-50%). This may contribute to the elevated mood and perceived increase in energy we feel after a coffee (which makes espresso a handy pre-workout drink).
Serotonin syndrome can cause mild symptoms (like diarrhea or nausea) to severe symptoms (like high fever or seizures). In some cases, severe serotonin syndrome can be fatal if not recognized and treated quickly.
Three 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are currently approved for use in the United States: ondansetron, granisetron, and palonosetron. Dolasetron has been discontinued in the US market.
What are the signs of a lack of serotonin and dopamine? Deficits in serotonin and dopamine can cause a host of signs and symptoms, including depressed mood, fatigue, lack of motivation, decreased sex drive, and difficulty concentrating.
Chocolate does contain ingredients that can act as stimulants, which are known to elevate mood. However, these ingredients are present at quite low concentrations, which some feel are too low to cause an effect. Also, chocolate ingredients may boost production of "pleasure hormones" such as serotonin.
Chocolate contains psychoactive ingredients, including some that produce euphoric effects similar to those of cannabis. Chocolate also contains neurochemicals that play a role in the regulation of mood and depression and antioxidants that help fight inflammation, which may also factor into depression.
Dark Chocolate
The flavonoids in the cocoa help protect your cells. They're a type of antioxidant that may also help lower your blood pressure, boost the blood flow to your brain and heart, and make you less anxious.