Want to be happy this winter? Eat chocolate
For all the chocoholics out there, you hardly need justification to eat your favourite treat, however, if you were starting to feel a little gloomy and a bit forlorn about the colder weather, we’re here to tell you to eat chocolate! According to science, it’s like a delicious ray of sunshine on a dark day.
Serotonin
When you eat chocolate, the cocoa in the chocolate increases the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is called the “feel-good” chemical and it’s a natural antidepressant. Not only will it increase the feeling of wellbeing, but it also stabilises mood swings and makes you feel more relaxed.
Caffeine
Chocolate contains a very small amount of caffeine and as a stimulant it improves the flow of blood to the brain, as well as boosts the secretion of serotonin. Caffeine will decrease fatigue while improving alertness and lifting your spirits. All of this will help put you in a better mood.
Phenylethylamine
We find small amounts of this chemical in chocolate. It’s called the “love drug” because it simulates the feeling of being in love. Eating chocolate triggers the release of endorphins – the chemicals that make us feel good. It also acts as an antidepressant.
Flavonoids
The flavonoid compounds in dark chocolate increase the flow of blood to your brain and raise your levels of serotonin and phenylethylamine. They make you feel calmer, more content and help to put you in a better mood.
So there you have it, the reasons you can self-medicate with chocolate. Of course you should be eating moderate, responsible amounts of chocolate, and preferably the dark variety. To maximise your satisfaction and minimise the risk of overeating, take it easy and savour each bite, rather than wolfing it down in one sitting.
Why not eat your way to a better mood with delicious Beyers chocolates? The Amarula 10-piece collection is dark, decadent and each chocolate has a velvety Amarula Cream liqueur centre. For connoisseurs of dark chocolate, the ultimate luxury is Shades of Dark, while Sweetie Pie Dark and the 70% Dark Chocolate slab are the perfect answer when you just need a little mood booster in the middle of winter.
