What Makes People Crave Chocolate?

The lure of chocolate has a long, rich history. The Aztec believed that the god Quetzalcoatl brought the cacao seeds from heaven -- if you're a chocolate lover, you can likely appreciate that belief. Whether in squares, in the shape of a bunny or melted for dipping berries, chocolate continues to provide comfort during both happy and stressful times. If you're wondering why chocolate induces such intense cravings, it turns out that a blend of physiological, psychological and cultural factors is at play.

Effect on Neurotransmitters

Also called chemical messengers, neurotransmitters send out signals among neurons, or nerve cells in the body. Serotonin garners attention because of its association with mood and psychological wellness. Chocolate contains the substances tyramine and tryptophan, both of which are converted to serotonin in the brain, according to addiction expert Dr. Bankole A. Johnson. These substances also are converted to dopamine, another neurotransmitter that plays roles in both pleasure perception and addictive behavior. Dopamine tells your brain to repeat pleasurable behaviors.

Unique Sensations

Another reason you might reach for that second -- or eighth -- piece of chocolate is simply because of its unique stimulation of the senses. Chocolate has a distinct scent and taste; in fact, it's sometimes used to increase appetites in people with impaired taste or smelling abilities, according to Kansas State University's Dr. Mary L. Meck Higgins, RD, LD. Chocolate's low melting point contributes to the pleasure of eating it because it becomes soft in your mouth so quickly. The fat content in chocolate, particularly milk chocolate, also enhances its texture.

Cultural Conditioning

The popularity of chocolate might come down to cultural conditioning. Eating chocolate might be associated with celebrations or happy times; for instance, your Easter basket as a child was likely filled with a variety of chocolates. If this appreciation for chocolate is established at a young age, it might contribute to your cravings for it, particularly as a comfort food. Yet this isn't the case in every country. A study published in the journal "Appetite" in February 2004 revealed that American women were significantly more likely than Spanish women to crave chocolate during their premenstrual period, reflecting the possible role of cultural conditioning.

Choosing Chocolate

Although some forms are healthier than others, you can find a place for chocolate in your diet. Chocolate is a source of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that might provide cardiovascular benefits, although more research is needed on this subject. The darker the better when it comes to choosing healthier chocolates. Go for varieties that are at least 60 percent cocoa, Colorado State University's Shirley Perryman, MS, RD, recommends. Choose plain chocolate or that containing healthier add-ins like nuts rather than sugary caramel.