It is a common perception that chocolate is a mood elevator, although some people believe that it causes headaches and migraines. Although it is widely accepted that chocolate affects our mood, research on it is still in a fluid state. Each argument is fiercely debated. We will discuss various ways in which chocolate affects our mood and emotions, according to the current set of beliefs.

Chocolate affects us both negatively and positively. Some people, when they are sad or depressed, experience a craving for chocolate. When eating chocolate they report that their mood is elevated and they feel better. However, this mood elevation is temporary and when this effect wears off, they revert to their previous state of mind.

There are many health benefits attributed to chocolates. It is good for the heart. Increases the responsiveness of blood vessels, which is helpful in preventing heart disease. It also increases glucose tolerance. Chocolate also contains some substances that have an antioxidant effect. This is helpful in preventing cancer.

Chocolate is reported to cause headache, obesity, an itchy rectum, heartburn, and emotional problems such as irritability, confusion, anger, and depression.

Chocolate is rich in carbohydrates, which increase the speed with which tryptophan enters the brain. This increases the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates moods, creating a good feeling.

The addictive property of chocolate is also well documented. This is evidenced by the fact that some people, when trying to give up alcohol, rely on chocolate to satisfy their cravings. This drug-like property is attributed to the caffeine, anandamines, phenylethylamine, and magnesium that are present in chocolate. The presence of caffeine and magnesium can contribute to a craving for chocolate. Anandamides affect the brain in a similar way to marijuana, although research in this field is still debated.

There are more than 350 chemicals in chocolate. Some of these are believed to cause allergic reactions. Some scientists believe that phenylethylamine and theobromine might cause mood changes. Phenylethylamine causes your blood pressure and blood sugar to rise. It generates a sensation of alertness and satisfaction, thus creating a sensation of well-being. But, a brief period of emotional high is followed by a period of emotional low. Theobromine occurs naturally in cocoa and acts as an antidepressant, but it is known to be toxic to animals.

Eating chocolate can also give rise to a feeling of anxiety. Phenylethylamine is said to cause dilation of the blood vessels in the brain and cause headaches. Although it is still debatable whether phenylethylamine reaches the brain.

An ounce of chocolate contains 20 mg of caffeine. Research on the effects of caffeine has reported that caffeine can cause sleep problems, restlessness, irritability, heartburn, and anxiety. Caffeine withdrawal causes fatigue and headaches.

Tyramine is another amino acid present in chocolate. Although it is not certain if a significant amount of tyramine reaches the brain, it is known to cause blood vessels to expand and contract causing dull headaches.

Women seem to crave chocolate more than men, including diabetics. Some of these women reported that only chocolate and nothing else could satisfy their cravings. The presence of magnesium in chocolate can explain the fact that during PMS (Post Menstrual Syndrome) the desire for chocolate in women increases, since a magnesium deficiency can arise during this period.

With all this conflicting information about the effects of chocolate on mood, one has to look from their experiences and decide if chocolate is right for one. But certainly large amounts of chocolate will affect us physically or emotionally in one way or another.