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Why We Crave Chocolate
As a chocoholic myself I wanted to understand why people crave chocolate. So I began to do some research to find out if I was addicted or if that was just an excuse I use to sneak a piece of the delectable treat. Although approximately 15% of men crave chocolate it is women who are more likely to experience the cravings. In fact it has been reported that as high as 40% of women yearn for chocolate. This is especially during their menstrual cycle. There are varying beliefs and theories as to why people have urges for the delicious and sinful treats. Some theories believe it is the ingredients contained in chocolate and chemical reactions they produce that are responsible for the cravings. Still other theories claim it is cultural behavior that is responsible for the urge. But perhaps it is simply the luxurious, creamy taste of chocolate that are responsible for the cravings. Feel Good Ingredients Eating chocolate can invoke many good feelings that may be one of the reasons for the cravings. The sugar in chocolate causes the release of a chemical called serotonin. This chemical reduces the feelings of depression and anxiety. The delectable delight also contains magnesium, which may explain why women crave this during their menstrual cycle. The list of ingredients that make us feel good when we each chocolate goes on. The sweet taste releases endorphins in the brain which causes a wonderful euphoric rush. Additionally the fat in chocolate enhances flavor and aroma satisfying another nerve chemical called galanin which curbs our cravings for fat. In this feel good delight is also theobromine and caffeine which can give you a mental boost. Chocolate also contains phenlythylamine, also known as PEA, which increases the heart rate and blood pressure, stimulates the nervous system and can produce the same feelings as being in love. Lastly this love candy contains a substance called anadamine that is believed to mimic the effects of marijuana. Enzymes break down this ingredient shortly after it is produced in the brain therefore the pleasurable “high” is very limited. Plus chocolate does not contain enough of this ingredient to produce a global high like marijuana. Cultural Craving Back in Aztec society, chocolate was considered “food of the gods” and was savored by priests, warriors and nobility only. This stigma attached to chocolate as being a treat for the elite is one of the theories of why people crave it. Because it is still considered a luxury and indulgence it is a way to treat yourself to something special, making you feel special and honored. Chocolate has always been a prime gift to give, especially to women. This social behavior has been around for years and will more than likely continue. So does this traditional gift cause the cravings? Which came first, the craving or the chocolate? Perhaps receiving a gift of chocolate heightens the cravings or it’s a common gift because it is so widely craved. Taste the Delight Even though chocolate has many ingredients that trigger some feel good emotions and society has always revered chocolate as a luxury, perhaps we crave chocolate for the simplest reason – taste. If it is a chemical reaction that causes the cravings then why aren’t other foods that contain the same reactions craved. For example, it is thought that women crave chocolate during PMS for the magnesium level. However, soybeans, peanuts and other foods rich in magnesium are not craved as highly during this time. And if it is culture that is driving the cravings then why don’t we crave wine and cheese which is also a common gift or other foods that signify our culture. So is it simply the taste that causes the cravings? Chocolate’s creaminess is like no other taste. The cocoa butter in chocolate gives it a rich texture that melts in your mouth. Then of course there’s the sugar and fat that add to the overall flavor of chocolate. Conclusion Although I researched high and low for a definitive answer as to why we crave chocolate I could not find a solid reason. So rather I crave chocolate because of the chemical reactions or because of my culture or because it tastes so good, what I do know is that the cravings are real. If these cravings go unchecked it could lead to a binge eating of chocolate. So I say treat yourself occasionally when that craving hits, just limit the number of times and the amount of chocolate you eat.
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This intel was contributed by jlb724
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May, 2012
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