Do you really need an excuse to have more chocolate in your life?
If so, we have one for you. Dark chocolate contains chemicals that trigger your brain to produce a compound known as anandamide, a fatty acid neurotransmitter. When the naturally occurring caffeine, theobromine, and other compounds in chocolate (there are over 300) combine with the chemicals in your brain, you end up in a state of relaxation and bliss. Scientists believe this is because the combination of chemicals causes your brain to produce even more anandamide on its own, slowing down the breakdown of the compounds in the chocolate and leaving you with a surplus. Extra anandamide production equals a longer state of happiness.
According to a study done at the Neurosciences Institute in San Diego, scientists believe that chocolate is one of the most craved foods, simply because of the chemical substances it contains. They go as far as comparing the effect chocolate has on the brain to the effects of marijuana.
Of course, the key element here is that the chocolate does need to be dark chocolate and not milk. If you want an even more enhanced effect, try cacao nibs, the raw material used to create chocolate. They are the least processed and will have a more concentrated level of helpful compounds.
By the way, the name anandamide comes from the Sanskrit word “ananda.” Literally translated, the word stands for joy, delight, and bliss. That has to count for something!
