The creamy taste and sweet aroma of chocolate is enough to make you feel better, but chocolate also contains chemical compounds that can temporarily alter brain chemistry. Dark chocolate has more of these compounds than milk chocolate, which has been diluted with milk. Limit your chocolate consumption to maintain a trim waistline.
Caffeine
Chocolate contains a small amount of caffeine, which is a stimulant that increases alertness. Dark chocolate contains the largest amounts of caffeine with around 30mg per 1.45 oz serving. One bar of milk chocolate contains 11mg, while hot cocoa and chocolate milk contain between 5 and 12mg of caffeine per 8 oz serving. Compared to a 12-ounce cup of coffee, which contains around 200mg of caffeine, the amount of caffeine in chocolate is very small. Caffeine can cause sleeplessness, jitters and indigestion in some people.
Other Stimulants
In addition to caffeine, chocolate contains theobromine and phenylethylamine in small amounts. These stimulant chemicals act on the neurotransmitters in the brain to increase alertness and activity after eating chocolate, according to "Exploratorium" magazine.
Anandamide
Anandamide is a chemical compound that has effects similar to compounds found in marijuana, according to "Exploratorium" magazine. Although eating chocolate won't make you high, Anandamide may be responsible for the feeling of well-being associated with eating chocolate.
Recommendations
In addition to a feeling of alertness and well-being, chocolate contains flavanoids, anti-oxidants that may contribute to heart heath. However, chocolate in most of its edible forms, is also high in fat and sugar. Eat no more than 1 oz. of 70% dark chocolate daily, according to the Los Angeles Times, and eat vegetables to increase your intake of heart-healthy flavonoids.
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