For decades, chocolate has been hailed as a mood booster, stress reliever, and all-around comfort food. However, recent scientific research says that the idea of chocolate lifting our mood is simply a myth.

In this article, we dissect the supposed benefits of chocolate and explore what science has to say about them.

What is it about chocolate that makes us feel good?

One of the main ingredients in chocolate that has been associated with positive feelings is phenylethylamine, or PEA. PEA is a compound that is naturally produced in our brain when we experience feelings of love, excitement, or pleasure.

It is said to promote the release of endorphins, which are natural opioids that make us feel good and reduce pain.

However, studies have shown that the amount of PEA in chocolate is not significant enough to affect our mood.

In fact, it is more likely that the sugar and fat content of chocolate that gives us a brief mood lift, rather than any specific chemical compounds.

The science behind the myth

While it is true that chocolate contains compounds that can have a positive effect on our mood, the idea that eating chocolate will instantly make us happy is not supported by science.

In fact, a study conducted in 2010 found that there was no difference in mood between people who ate chocolate and those who did not.

The study, which was published in the journal Appetite, involved 36 participants who were randomly assigned to three groups.

Each group was given a different type of chocolate – dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate – or no chocolate at all. The participants were then asked to rate their mood on a scale from 1 to 100. The results showed that there was no significant difference in mood between any of the groups.

Another study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2013, found that while cocoa flavanols (a type of antioxidant found in cocoa beans) can improve cognitive performance and mood in some people, the effects are not significant enough to be considered a reliable mood-lifter.

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The dangers of relying on chocolate for mood improvement

Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting the idea that chocolate is a mood-booster, many people still turn to this sweet treat to alleviate negative feelings.

However, this can be a dangerous mindset to adopt, as relying on chocolate (or any food) to feel better can lead to emotional eating, which can have negative consequences on our physical and mental health.

Furthermore, the sugar content in chocolate can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then crash, leaving us feeling tired, irritable, and more prone to mood swings.

The fat content can also contribute to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Other ways to boost mood and reduce stress

While chocolate may not be the magical mood-lifter we once thought it was, there are other strategies we can use to improve our mood and reduce stress:.

1. Exercise

Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress. Even a short walk or stretch can provide a noticeable uplift in mood.

2. Meditation

Meditation and mindfulness practices have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall mood.

3. Gratitude

Practicing gratitude by writing down three things we are thankful for each day can improve our mood and outlook on life.

4. Social support

Spending time with friends and loved ones can provide a sense of connection and support, which can help alleviate stress and boost mood.

While it can be hard to resist the allure of chocolate when we’re feeling down, we now know that relying on it as a mood-lifter is not a healthy or effective strategy.

By incorporating other mood-boosting activities and strategies into our daily routine, we can more reliably improve our overall mood and reduce stress.