What happens in your brain when you eat chocolate or cocoa?

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

However, almost from its very 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 well-known and desired chocolate, are the best-known elaborations 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 cacao tree, also called the cacao tree. Formerly, it was appreciated as a divine tree, hence the translation of its specialized name Theobroma can be literally translated as "food of the gods".

From the fruit of this tree, cocoa, cocoa powder is extracted. Which is obtained by crushing or grinding the grains that it houses inside. On a nutritional level, cocoa powder can provide many calories and proteins and very few carbohydrates., so it is an ideal food in hyperproteic diets. As well as a large number of vitamins such as B vitamins, vitamin A and vitamin E.

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

Finally, it is necessary to make a distinction between cocoa and chocolate. As mentioned above, cocoa is obtained directly from the fruit, while chocolate requires a subsequent elaboration process during which sugars, milk, nuts, etc.

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

Endorphins, popularly known as the hormones of happiness, 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 are also capable of reducing the feeling of pain.

Other benefits that endorphins have on the person, and therefore chocolate is also likely to cause them, are:

• They produce a sensation of pleasure and well-being
• They favor the release of sexual hormones, that is, they increase sexual desire
• regulate appetite
• They strengthen the immune system
• They calm the sensation of pain caused by inflammation, trauma, etc.
• Chocolate to stay awake

Although cocoa contains less caffeine compared to coffee, it still contains it. Therefore, it generates greater brain activity and causes a mild stimulating effect.

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

However, it is necessary to point out that an excessive consumption of caffeine can also have consequences negative, such as increased blood pressure or acidity in the stomach, so it is necessary to consume it regularly. moderate.

2. It is a natural euphoriant

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

Also, when significant amounts of phenylethylamine are generated, the brain reacts by releasing dopamine, norepinephrine and oxytocin, neurotransmitters responsible, among other things, for causing sensations 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 a mandatory drink before going to war.

4. Chocolate, memory and brain aging

Pure cocoa is abundant in brain-building compounds called flavanols. A recent American Heart Association study reported that eating flavonoid-rich cocoa daily can have a positive impact on memory functions 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 they have the ability to protect neurons from possible injuries, in addition to promoting metabolism and interaction with the molecular structure. Also and indirectly, flavanols promote blood flow in the brain.

5. Tips and Warnings

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

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