Can Chocolate Elevate Your Mood?

On Valentine's Day 2008, British chef and author Nigella Lawson shared her thoughts on chocolate during an interview on NPR's "All Things Considered." She explained how chocolate is deeply connected to Valentine's Day, stating, "It evokes emotions similar to falling in love—giddiness, excitement, and attraction. Essentially, it’s like offering a love-inducing substance" [source: Lawson].

Despite having no formal background in neurology or molecular biology, Lawson’s insights are remarkably accurate. Chocolate contains multiple compounds that interact with the brain in various ways, often producing pleasurable effects. Historically, chocolate, derived from the cocoa plant and cultivated in regions like Malaysia, Ghana, and Guatemala, has been associated with enhancing sensuality. This idea positions chocolate as an aphrodisiac, a concept reportedly embraced by Aztec ruler Montezuma. He allegedly consumed large quantities of a chocolate beverage called xocolatl ("bitter water") to boost his stamina for romantic endeavors [source: Blythman].

Many also believe that chocolate can induce a euphoric sensation similar to a runner's high. Combining this with modern ideas about addiction, some argue that it’s possible to develop a dependency on chocolate.

Is it really possible? Can someone develop an addiction to chocolate? Before jumping to conclusions, let’s first explore whether chocolate can actually induce a euphoric state.

The Chemistry of Chocolate

Chocolate contains multiple compounds that could potentially induce a high. One of these is the world’s most commonly consumed psychoactive substance, naturally present in chocolate [source: Fackelmann]. This compound, 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine—commonly known as caffeine—stimulates the central nervous system, increasing heart rate and muscle activity. It mimics the body’s fight-or-flight response and interacts with dopamine and adenosine receptors in the brain, triggering the release of chemicals associated with pleasure.

Chocolate also contains a compound similar to the active ingredient in marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol-9). These fatty acids, known as cannabinoids, interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, primarily located in the frontal cortex and areas of the brain governing motor function and memory. When these receptors are activated, they produce feelings of relaxation and mild intoxication [source: Medscape].

Beyond the dual impact of its psychoactive stimulant and depressant properties, chocolate holds another surprise for its consumers. Phenylethylamine, often dubbed the "love drug," triggers the release of the same chemicals that flood the body during moments of romantic attraction [source: Millward]. This compound mimics the effects of amphetamines and is classified as a hallucinogen. It excels at releasing dopamine and serotonin, chemicals associated with pleasure. The resulting high is strikingly similar to the euphoria induced by the designer drug ecstasy [source: Hanson, et al].

With such a powerful mix of compounds flooding the brain with endorphins and other feel-good hormones, it’s natural to wonder why people aren’t clamoring for chocolate like a street-corner craving. This brings us back to the central question: Can chocolate truly deliver a high?

Chocolate and the Brain

Chocolate contains all the elements to qualify as a miraculous substance. It houses compounds akin to those found in ecstasy, morphine, and marijuana. In theory, consuming a chocolate bar should launch you into a state of euphoria. So, why isn’t chocolate regulated by the FDA? Why aren’t chocolate bars kept under lock and key at pharmacies? The reality is, while chocolate does contain pleasure-inducing and stimulating compounds, their concentrations are generally too low to produce significant effects.

Due to the widespread consumption of energy drinks, coffee, cigarettes, and chocolate, our brains have grown accustomed to substances that trigger the release of pleasure-inducing chemicals. Compounds that interact with brain receptors to release neurotransmitters like dopamine operate in two ways: they either bind to the receptor, prompting the release of neurotransmitters, or they block the reabsorption of these chemicals. In both cases, the result is an increased presence of these chemicals in the bloodstream.

This mechanism explains how chocolate, or any similar substance, can induce a high. However, it also clarifies why chocolate’s effects are often mild. Repeated exposure to such compounds reduces the number of available receptors and makes the remaining ones less responsive. This is the body’s way of maintaining equilibrium—a balance among its internal processes and chemicals. When dopamine or other pleasure-inducing chemicals are artificially released by substances like chocolate, the body compensates by deactivating some receptors. Over time, this leads to desensitization [source: University of Texas].

Despite this, certain pharmacological compounds in chocolate can still evoke feelings of pleasure and stimulation. Given the global obsession with chocolate and the cravings it triggers, it’s evident that it impacts many people. To fully experience chocolate’s potential benefits, one might need to lead a relatively clean lifestyle.

Chocolate and Emotions

Even if the compounds in chocolate are too minimal to induce a euphoric high for some, this cherished treat can still influence our sense of happiness.

From a psychological perspective, happiness—particularly hedonism—is the pursuit of self-interest. We actively chase happiness, which is inherently self-centered. However, we can pursue our own joy while also bringing happiness to others. Charitable acts are a perfect example: A 2007 study using functional MRI scans revealed that donating money to charities activates the brain’s reward center similarly to receiving money [source: ASRT Scanner].

The pursuit of happiness, or hedonism, undoubtedly includes the enjoyment of chocolate. It provides sensations of pleasure, comfort, and satisfaction. Eating chocolate is a hedonistic act, as it involves seeking pleasure and reducing pain, which are the defining traits of hedonism.

As explored, quantifying chocolate’s precise impact on happiness is challenging. Yet, most people are convinced of its positive influence. In fact, happiness pills resembling pharmaceuticals, made from chocolate, are commercially available. Additionally, a Canadian study investigating the connection between chocolate and happiness yielded inconclusive results after the control group, deprived of chocolate, raided the study’s chocolate stash [source: Chan].

Although the exact reason behind the link between chocolate and happiness remains a mystery, research has identified notable correlations. A 2007 study involving 1,367 participants—all men in their 70s with comparable socioeconomic backgrounds—explored their health, life satisfaction, and emotions such as happiness and loneliness. The study also included a subtle question about their candy preferences. Those who favored chocolate reported lower levels of depression and loneliness, along with a more positive outlook on life [source: Strandberg, et al].

Even if science never fully unravels the impact of chocolate on our emotions, does it truly matter? If indulging in chocolate brings you joy, embrace it without hesitation.