Chocolate and Happiness: Understanding Why We Feel Better When We Consume it

The topic of feeling better and happier when we consume chocolate is quite interesting and complex. Most of the research in this area shows that consuming chocolate creates certain chemical reactions in our brain, which results in a feeling of happiness.

Chocolate increases the release of happiness hormones such as serotonin, endorphins, and phenylethylamine, thereby changing the chemical balance in our brain. These hormones induce feelings of happiness, relaxation, and contentment. Additionally, antioxidants such as flavonoids found in chocolate increase blood flow in the brain, improving the functioning of nerve cells, which also contributes to the feeling of happiness.

However, the feeling of happiness we experience when we consume chocolate is not just a chemical reaction. Chocolate is also a taste that many people enjoy, and we feel happy because we derive pleasure from the taste. The human brain releases happiness hormones such as serotonin and dopamine in the reward center when we consume delicious food. Therefore, consuming chocolate not only increases happiness hormones but also triggers the reward center in our brain, making us feel happy.

Moreover, cocoa found in chocolate improves blood flow in the brain, providing more oxygen to the brain, which enhances brain function, concentration, and mental performance. Therefore, consuming chocolate not only makes us feel happy but also improves our cognitive abilities.

In conclusion, the reason why we feel better and happier when we consume chocolate is a combination of chemical reactions in our brain, the pleasure derived from its taste, and the benefits of its ingredients, such as cocoa. However, consuming chocolate excessively can be detrimental to our health, so it is important to consume it in moderation.