Why Does Chocolate Make Us Happy?
In Harry Potter, one of the most feared magical creatures in the wizarding world is a dementor. Dementors are horrible, ghoulish figures that hungrily feed on happiness, leaving any living creature in their presence feeling cold, miserable, and hopeless. The only antidote to restore those feelings of happiness once the dementors are gone? Chocolate!
While dementors, thankfully, only exist in this fantasy world, the beneficial impact of chocolate on our happiness is very real. What is it about this sweet and savory treat that raises our spirits and leaves a smile on our faces? Our chocolate experts will let you in on the secret!
The ingredients in chocolate trigger the release of endorphins in the brain.
Endorphins are a type of neurotransmitter—a chemical used to communicate between neurons—that reduce pain and increase pleasure, resulting in a “feel-good” effect we interpret as happiness. The magic ingredient in chocolate that is majorly responsible for triggering endorphin release is cacao.
The work of chocolate, however, does not stop at just endorphins.
Chocolate also stimulates the production of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin—the other “feel good” chemicals our brain releases to make us feel happy.
Plus, chocolate contains its own mood-boosting and regulating chemicals for us to benefit from, including:
- Phenylethylamine—stimulates feelings of excitement & “butterflies” similar to falling in love
- Theobromine—boosts energy & enhances cognitive function
- Caffeine—improves mood & increases energy
- Flavonols—enhance mood & have long-term effects that contribute to increased happiness by reducing blood sugar and inflammation (two conditions linked to depression)
Dark vs. Milk Chocolate: Which one is better?
Because it’s the cacao that really drives the production of mood-boosting neurotransmitters in the brain, most experts agree that in terms of benefiting health and happiness, dark chocolate comes out on top. To make the sweet and creamy milk chocolate that we know and love, cacao is mixed with ingredients like milk and sugar to offset their bitter taste. In dark chocolate, however, fewer additional ingredients are added and we are left with a greater amount of pure cacao to boost our endorphins. So, as a general rule of thumb: the more cacao, the stronger the effects—but there is a catch.
It’s not just the ingredients in chocolate that make us happy, it’s also the experience of eating it.
To experience the full benefits that chocolate has on mood, it’s important that we actually enjoy the chocolate as we eat it. If you force yourself to choke down a 90% cacao chocolate bar that makes you scrunch your face in bitterness with every bite, you’re not exactly going to be bursting with happiness. You need something with enough of the cacao to feel the effects, but not so much that you no longer enjoy the taste. Chocolate with 60-70% cacao is usually that sweet spot.
Another factor that contributes to our enjoyment of eating chocolate is that most of us have been psychologically conditioned to feel happier when we do.
Growing up, children are often given chocolate as a reward or special treat. As a result, we develop positive associations with the consumption of chocolate, such as feelings of comfort and achievement. This positive response is ingrained in us and subconsciously triggered when we eat chocolate throughout our lives.
So, the next time you’re feeling down—like a dementor has sucked out all of your happiness—try fighting your sorrows with the power of chocolatey goodness.
Make sure you’re ready to boost your mood (or someone else’s) at a moment’s notice by stocking up on your favorite gourmet chocolates from Otto’s Granary! Choose from chocolate gift boxes by top brands like Godiva, Neuhaus, and more to satisfy your every craving.
Head to our website to order your chocolate online today and have it shipped right to your door!
