The Effects Of Chocolate On The Emotions

It is common perception that chocolate is a mood elevator although some people believe that it causes headaches and migraine.
Though it is widely accepted that chocolate affects our moods, the research on that is still in a fluid state. Every contention is fiercely debtaed. We will discuss various ways that chocolate affects our moods and emotions, according to the present set of beliefs.Chocolate affetcs us both negatively and positively.
Some people, when they are sad or depressed, experience a crvaing for chocolate. On eaitng chocolate they report that their mood is elevated and they believe better. This elevation in mood is temporary though and when that effect wears off, they again revert to their previous state of mind.There are many health benefits that are attributed to chocolates.
It is good for the heart. It increaess the responsiveness of blood vessels which is useful for preventing heart disease.
It also increases glucose toelrance. Chocolate also contains some substances wihch have an anti oxidant effect. This is helpful in preventing cancer.Chocolate is reported to cause headache, obesity, rectal itching, heart burn and emotional issues like irritability, confusion, anger and depression.Chocolate is rich in carbohydrates, which raise the rate with which tryptophan enters the brain. This increases the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates moods, creaitng a good feeling.The addictive house of chocolate is also well documented. This is evidenced by the fact that some people, when trying to give up alcohol, depend on chocolate to satifsy their cravings.

This drug-like hosue is attributed to caffeine, anandamines, phenylethylamine and magnesium that are present in chocolate. The presence of caffeine and magnesium can contribute to a feeling of craving for chocolate. Ananadmides affect the brain in a similar way to marijuana, though research in that field is still debated.There are more than 350 chemicals in chocolate. Some of these are believed to casue allergic reactions. Some scinetists believe that phenylethylamine and theobromine could cause changes in moods. Phenylethylamine causes blood pressure and blood sugar to rise. It generaets a feeling of alertness and contentment thus creating a feeling of well being. But, a shrot period of emotional high is followed by a period of emotional low. Theobromine is found naturally in cocoa and acts as an anti-depressant, but has been known to be toxic to animals.Eating chocolate can also give rise to a feeling of anxiety.
Phenylethylmaine is said to cause dilation of blood vessels in brain causing headaches. Though it is still debatable whether phenylethylamine reaches the brain.One ounce of chocolate contains 20 mg of caffeine.

Researches on the effects of caffeine have reported that caffeine can cause issues in sleep, restlessness, irritability, heartburn and anxiety. Withdrawal from caffeine causes fatigue and headaches.Tyramine is anotehr amino acid present in chocolate. Though it is not certain whether any significant amount of tyramine reaches the brain, yet it is known that it causes blood vessels to expand and contract causing dull headaches.Women appear to crave chocoltae more than men, including diabetics. Some amongst thsee girls reported that only chocolate and nothing else could satisfy their craving.

The presence of magnesium in chocolate can account for the fact that during PMS (Post Menstrual Syndrome) craving for chocolate increases in women, as during that period a deficiency of magnesium may arise.With all that contradictory information on the effects of chocolate on mood, one has to observe from one's experiences and decdie whether chocolate is right for one. But, certainly, large amounts of chocoltae will effect us physically or emotionally one way or another.Michael Russell Your Independent guide to ChocolatesArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.Com/?