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

Neuroscience explains what happens to us when we consume this food.

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

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

Cocoa, cocoa powder and chocolate

Cocoa powder and its subsequent transformation into the well-known and desired chocolate are the best-known products extracted from the fruit known as 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 cacao tree. In ancient times, it was appreciated as a divine tree, hence the translation of its specialized name Theobroma can be literally translated as "food of the gods".

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

However, it also has many psychological benefits. In addition to the well-known feeling of well-being 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. are added.

Therefore, the benefits of cocoa will be greater as long as it is as natural as possible, i.e., it 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.

Chocolate, endorphins and pleasure

Cocoa is a potent natural generator of endorphins, so potent that the feeling of well-being it provokes is practically immediate.

Endorphins, popularly known as the hormones of happiness, are endogenous opioid peptides, which means that they are opioids manufactured by our own body in order to generate a sense of well-being and are also capable of reducing the sensation of pain.

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

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

Although cocoa contains less caffeine than coffee, it still contains caffeine. Therefore, it generates more brain activity and causes 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 sensation of being more awake, attentive and with more energy due to the stimulation of the central nervous system.

However, it is necessary to point out that an excessive consumption of caffeine can also have negative consequences, such as an increase in Blood Pressure or acidity in the stomach, so it is necessary to consume it in moderation.

2. It constitutes a natural euphoriant

Cocoa is an excellent source of phenylethylamine, this substance, generated naturally 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 energetic food since ancient times.. Latin American civilizations already used cocoa as a stimulant and even as an obligatory drink before going to war.

4. Chocolate, memory and brain aging

Pure cocoa is rich in brain-constituting compounds called flavanols. A recent study by the American Heart Association published that eating cocoa rich in flavonoids on a daily basis 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 have the ability to protect memory functions and improve mild cognitive impairment.They have the capacity to protect neurons from possible lesions, as well as favoring metabolism and interaction with the molecular structure. Indirectly, flavanols also promote blood flow in the brain.

5. Tips and warnings

However, in spite of 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 fats and calories..

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