Chocolate makes you feel good because of its effects on the brain

Dark chocolate contains compounds that can improve blood flow and influence neurotransmitters linked to mood, and its flavanols have been associated with modest heart and cognitive benefits; however, many commercial chocolates are high in sugar and saturated fat.

Chocolate is widely associated with pleasure, comfort and celebration. Its journey starts with cacao beans that are fermented, dried and ground into a cocoa liquor, which is then blended with varying amounts of cocoa solids, cocoa butter, sugar and milk to make dark, milk and white chocolate. Experts note that several substances in cocoa — including flavanols like epicatechin, methylxanthines such as theobromine and small amounts of caffeine, and compounds that affect serotonin and dopamine — interact with blood flow and brain chemistry in ways that can affect mood. Dark chocolate has the highest cocoa solids and flavanol content and has been studied for modest links to improved blood pressure, cholesterol and markers of brain health, while many chocolate products contain substantial added sugars and fats. Key points about chocolate: - Chocolate begins as cacao beans that are fermented, dried and ground into cocoa liquor. - Dark chocolate is richest in cocoa solids and flavanols; milk chocolate has added milk and more sugar; white chocolate contains cocoa butter but no cocoa solids. - Compounds such as epicatechin can boost nitric oxide and blood flow, and cocoa components can influence serotonin and dopamine levels; the role of phenylethylamine is debated. - Methylxanthines (theobromine and small amounts of caffeine) can increase alertness and affect mood. - Some studies associate flavanol-rich dark chocolate with modest benefits for blood pressure, cholesterol and aspects of brain health, including neurogenesis in the hippocampus. - Many commercial chocolates are calorie-dense and high in added sugars and saturated fat, and chocolate can trigger symptoms in people with migraines or GERD. Summary: Certain compounds in dark chocolate appear to influence mood and are associated with some measured health effects, while many commercial chocolates contain high levels of added sugars and saturated fat. Undetermined at this time.