Does Dark Chocolate Really Make You Happier?
Dark chocolate is known for its intense flavours and rich aroma. Besides being a treat for the tastebuds, it is also considered to be a mood lifter. But ever wondered why dark chocolate bars may be making you happy? Is there really a scientific relation between dark chocolate and happiness? Does dark chocolate really have the potential to lift spirits and enhance our mood? Ever experienced a dark chocolate bar from ROYCE’ giving you that instant boost of happiness? Well there is definitely a reason why you feel that hit. We did some digging and here is what we have found out…
Unlocking the chemistry of dark chocolate:
Dark chocolate stands out from sweeter milk chocolates owing to its high cacao content. The rich intensity of cacao is the key reason behind the mood-lifting aspect of dark chocolate. Cacao is made up of many complex compounds that lend it a robust flavour. But one compound that makes all the difference is - flavonoids. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and have been associated with several health benefits - improved cardiovascular function and much more. However, some research suggests that the flavonoids in dark chocolate may also affect your mood by enhancing blood flow to the brain and promoting the release of endorphins - the body’s natural chemicals that promote pleasure, happiness and a sense of well-being. Dark chocolate is also considered to be a source of serotonin precursors, such as tryptophan, which can contribute to the production of the neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness. The combination of these compounds creates a potential neurochemical reaction that might be responsible for the mood-lifting effects of dark chocolate.
The psychology behind dark chocolate:
We now know that the chemistry of dark chocolate plays a significant role in lifting spirits, but what is interesting to note is the psychological aspect associated with the consumption of this rich treat. While sweeter chocolate bars can be savoured quickly, a piece of rich dark chocolate needs you to slow down. The intense flavours of cacao require your palate to revel in the richness and savour each bite very mindfully. This slow, deliberate consumption leads to an elevated experience which in turn allows you to enjoy the chocolate and appreciate the goodness it brings.
Another aspect that makes consuming dark chocolate a lot more pleasurable is its connection with indulgence. Associated with luxury and extravagance, eating dark chocolate tends to make an individual feel a sense of heightened pleasure. From chunky chocolate bars to bite-sized chocolate wafers, indulging in dark chocolate naturally induces a sense of celebration and in turn enhances one's mood, thanks to its connection with luxury.
In a nutshell:
Dark chocolate not only tends to stand out for its rich and intense flavour, but also its inherent quality to promote a happy feeling. The combination of flavonoids, serotonin precursors and the sense of heightened pleasure one gets from indulging in it, makes it evident that eating dark chocolate does make people happier. Rich and bold, dark chocolate not only contains compounds that lend it a feel-good factor but also elevates the palate because of its association with luxury.So the next time you are savouring a Chocolate Bar or Origin Chocolate from the Royce’ dark chocolate collection, you know why you experience that instant mood-lift. It is all a harmonious blend of the chemical compounds and a sense of consuming the best chocolate in the world that gives you that good feeling.
If you have not experienced what a piece of dark chocolate can do to you, order our dark chocolates online. Indulge and feel good with every bite of the best chocolate in the world. From chocolate bars to wafers, we have a dark chocolate variant to lift everyone’s mood.
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