10/02/2025
CHOCOLATE
Since time in memorial Chocolate in all its different forms, has been celebrated , sought after , and to a large extent , has been highly romanticized.
Most people love chocolate. If you are among the lovers of chocolate (your taste buds chose correctly), then you will probably want to keep reading.
Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, has long been in the media touting all sorts of health benefits. There is increasing evidence suggesting that beyond being our loved confection, chocolate can affect our mood.
The question that begs then is ,
How does chocolate aid in elevating the mood?
To answer this question, we will localize our focus on three key components of chocolate that are pertinent to our topic
1. PHENYLETHYLAMINE (PEA)
Is an organic compound, natural monoamine alkaloid, and trace amine, which acts as a central nervous system stimulant in humans. It is analogous to the synthetic amphetamine, and is thus a potent neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the following,
a) Neurotransmission: PEA acts as a neuromodulator and trace amine neurotransmitter, influencing the activity of classical monoamine
neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. PEA stimulates the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, amplifying their effects. It competes with these neurotransmitters for transporters (e.g., dopamine transporter, norepinephrine transporter), thereby leading to increased extracellular levels of dopamine and other monoamines.
b) Mood Elevation: By competitively competing with dopamine for transporters , PEA
increases dopamine levels, contributing to feelings of pleasure and well-being. In addition , by increasing the levels of norepinephrine, PEA enhances cognitive functions like attention and wakefulness.
Phenylethlalanine creates similar feelings to those we feel when we fall in love ,i.e, increased alertness, increased heart rate, and motivation. As such , PEA is aptly dubbed 'The love molecule.'
2. TRYPTOPHAN
Tryptophan is hydroxylated and decarboxylated by the enzymes Tryptophan hydroxylase and 5-OH tryptophan decarboxylase respectively. Once this is done , it leads to the formation of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) which is also known as serotonin. All this occurs in the raphe nuclei of the brain stem. The metabolite , serotonin, is then released into the synaptic cleft. Serotonin then causes the following
• Inhibition of stress response: Serotonin can reduce the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is responsible for the stress response.
• Serotonin modulates the activity of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA, which involved in mood regulation.
3. THEOBROMINE AND CAFFEINE
Theobromine can increase feelings of happiness and relaxation by stimulating the release neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. In addition, Theobromine has been shown to have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties, which can contribute to improved mood.
Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that can increase alertness, energy and wakefulness.
From the foregoing writing it can be surmised that beyond just being our favorite treat , chocolate is key in regulating our mood.
So the next time she seems off , or seems to be down , you now know what to get her.
References.
https://www.portagepath.org/cocoa-comfort-how-chocolate-sweetens-mental-well-being/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955286321002746
Scholey A, Owen L. Effects of chocolate on cognitive function and mood: a systematic review. Nutr Rev. 2013 Oct;71(10):665-81. doi: 10.1111/nure.12065. PMID: 24117885.
