With the arrival in Europe of the different fruits from the American continent, the furor for cocoa, and consequently for chocolate, did not take long to expand, consolidating itself as one more foodstuff in the gastronomy of any place in the rest of the world.

However, almost since its appearance, the debates about its benefits and the not so healthy properties of chocolate have been widely discussed . This article describes the benefits of chocolate on a psychological level and the effects it has on the brain according to its different compounds.

Cocoa, cocoa powder and chocolate

Cocoa powder and its consequent transformation into the archaic and desired chocolate, are the best known preparations that are extracted from the fruit called cocoa. Likewise, this fruit originates and develops in a tropical tree known as Theobroma cacao, which is cultivated in Africa and Tropical America.

Theobroma cacao refers to the scientific nomenclature assigned to the cocoa tree, also called cocoa tree. In ancient times, it was appreciated as a divine tree, hence the translation of its specialized name Theobroma can be translated literally as “food of the gods”.

From the fruit of this tree, the cocoa, the cocoa powder is extracted. This is obtained by crushing or grinding the beans inside the tree. On a nutritional level, cocoa powder can provide many calories and proteins and very few carbohydrates , making it an ideal food for high-protein diets. As well as a large amount of vitamins such as B vitamins, vitamin A and vitamin E.

However, there are also many psychological benefits. In addition to the well-known feeling of well-being that it produces, cocoa is energetic, promotes memory and prevents brain aging.

Finally, a distinction must be made between cocoa and chocolate. As mentioned above, cocoa is obtained directly from the fruit, while chocolate requires a further processing process during which sugars, milk, nuts, etc. are added.

Therefore, the benefits of cocoa will be greater as long as it is as natural as possible, i.e. has fewer additives and is processed as little as possible.

Psychological effects of cocoa consumption

The beneficial effects of chocolate on our mood are well known. Traditionally associated with pleasurable sensations, cocoa is a known endorphin-releaser and a source of caffeine. But there are many contributions that chocolate can make to brain function.

1. Chocolate, endorphins and pleasure

Cocoa is a powerful natural generator of endorphins, so powerful that the feeling of well-being it causes is almost immediate.

The endorphins popularly known as happiness hormones, are endogenous opioid peptides, this means that they are opioids manufactured by our own body in order to generate a feeling of well-being and also, they are capable of diminishing the sensation of pain.

Other benefits that endorphins have on the person, and therefore chocolate is also susceptible to provoke them are

  • Produce a sense of pleasure and well-being
  • Promote the release of sex hormones, that is, increase sexual desire
  • Regulate appetite
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • They soothe the sensation of pain caused by inflammation, trauma, etc.
  • Chocolate to keep you awake

Although cocoa contains less caffeine than coffee, it still does. It therefore generates greater brain activity and has a mild stimulating effect.

Caffeine is a substance that can be found in more than 60 plants, including the cocoa tree . The psychological effects that caffeine can exert include the feeling of being more awake, alert, and energized due to central nervous system stimulation.

However, it should be noted that excessive caffeine consumption can also have negative consequences, such as increased blood pressure or acidity in the stomach, so it should be consumed in moderation.

2. It is a natural euphoric

Cocoa is an excellent source of phenylethylamine, this substance, naturally generated in the brain, is similar to amphetamines, producing a pleasant feeling of well-being and euphoria.

In addition, when significant amounts of phenylethylamine are generated, the brain reacts by releasing dopamine, norepinephrine and oxytocin, neurotransmitters responsible, among other things, for causing feelings of pleasure and well-being.

3. Cocoa as a source of energy

Due to the above properties cocoa has been used as an energy food since ancient times . Civilizations from Latin America already used cocoa as a stimulant and even as an obligatory drink before leaving for war.

4. Chocolate, memory and brain aging

Pure cocoa is abundant in brain-building compounds called flavanols. A recent study by the American Heart Association published that eating flavonoid-rich cocoa daily can have a positive impact on memory function and improve mild cognitive impairment.

The flavonoids present in cocoa, can also be found in other foods such as grapes, apples, wine or tea ; and have the ability to protect the neurons from possible injury, in addition to promoting metabolism and interaction with the molecular structure. Indirectly, flavanols also promote blood flow in the brain.

5. Advice and warnings

However, despite all the benefits mentioned in the article, it is not advisable to abuse its consumption, since due to its processing and combination with other substances, chocolate is rich in fat and calories .

Therefore, like any other food, moderate consumption is always better than abuse.