Chocolate, it Does a Body Good!

Some people may think I am crazy in saying this, but lately I have been using chocolate as a pain reliever! Yes, that is right. Lately, about mid-day everyday, I am plagued with a feeling of malaise, aches, and pains (probably due to fatigue and not getting enough sleep at night!)

It sounds untrue, but eating a chocolate bar relieves my headache, aches and pains, and gives me enough stamina to get through the rest of the afternoon.

According to a report by CNN Food, researchers have found that eating chocolate causes the brain to release endorphins, the body's own feel good drug. Another neurotransmitter released by chocolate is pheylethylamine. Pheylethylamine can change blood pressure and sugar levels and increase levels of alertness. Some people relate eating chocolate to the experience of being in love because it can cause your pulse rate to quicken. After experiencing this pleasure once, we then "crave" chocolate!

Some people have a serious addiction to chocolate. For others, they crave it during times of stress, pain, loneliness and anxiety for that instant "feel good" feeling. Some have related the experience to that of marijuana in the release of endorphins from the brain. The release of endorphins from the brain can help reduce stress and alleviate pain.

This is a much milder high we are talking about here. Some researchers say chocolate cravings are related to serotonin, a brain chemical that aids in relaxation. Scientists go on to say that, stress triggers these cravings in our body. The chemicals in chocolate may help us feel better and deal with the stress more efficiently.

My own opinion is that chocolate is nature's medicine and that, used in moderation, does our body no harm. In fact, I believe (from personal experience) that the mild euphoric feeling from eating chocolate can actually be beneficial to the body.

Scientists disagree regarding whether or not a person can become addicted to chocolate. The majority of the scientific community agrees that chocolate is not addictive. They go on to say that, the effects of chocolate could be a "placebo" effect. It only makes us feel better because we believe it will.

I am not sure what the scientific realities about chocolate are. I only know it makes me feel better. So, to relieve my afternoon maladies, I am going to continue having my chocolate bar, and I will feel good about doing it!

Sources:

CNN Food: Come on, get happy... with chocolate's help

Chocolate on the Brain