More exciting news for the chocoholics out there. Healthy Chocolate may actually assist in a variety of health issues relating to the brain. Chocolate has long been described as an aphrodisiac, a mood enhancer and a stimulant. Raw, unalkalized chocolate that is cold processed, high in natural cocoa nutrients, contains no sugars, hydrogenated oils or artificial ingredients, which is actually beneficial. Numerous studies show cocoa’s ability to reduce the risk of many disorders including those associated with emotions and mood.
An estimated 26% of Americans over the age of 18 suffer from a diagnosable mood disorder. The average age for onset of mood disorders is the early or mid-20’s. However, the National Institute of Mental Health reports depression onset is occurring earlier. Major depressive disorder is the major cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15 to 44.
Phenylethylamine (PEA) is a neurotransmitter in the brain that has been shown to increase attention and activity in animals and relieve depression in 60% of depressed patients. The PEA found in chocolate can boost seratonin and endorphin levels, increase libido and acts as a natural anti-depressant. Endorphins can decrease depression and elevate mood.
Arginine is an amino acid, which is a natural sex stimulant. Chocolate aphrodisiac qualities are attributed to its source of arginine. A recent study demonstrated that women might improve a low libido by consuming chocolate.
Raw cocoa contains many helpful vitamins and minerals. B6 is essential for the production of the hormones serotonin, melatonin and dopamine. It can help prevent or reverse depression and PMS-related symptoms. Magnesium also helps reduce symptoms of PMS. It helps raise the progesterone levels that drop before a woman has her period. This could be a reason women crave chocolate during their menstrual cycle.
Tryptophan in chocolate is the precursor to serotonin, a natural antidepressant. It also helps produce other neurotransmitters like melatonin and dimethyltryptamine, both connected to restful sleep. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is a natural stimulant to improve energy, blood flow, mood elevation and can even function as a cough suppressant.
Finally, many people find chocolate benefits the brain by suppressing appetite and controlling weight. Chocolate provides essential vitamins and minerals while decreasing cravings. It stabilizes blood sugar levels, reducing hypoglycemic episodes and binge-eating. The flavonoid level can relieve inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with low leptin levels, which increases appetite. Additionally, cortisol levels increase with elevated inflammatory chemicals that start to break down muscles, deposit fat in cells and fuel the appetite.
You can finally make a healthy choice with Raw unalkalized chocolate that is cold processed, because healthy chocolate leads to a health brain.
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