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Is Cacao a Natural Antidepressant?

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If you feel instant contentment or relaxation after drinking cacao or eating chocolate, you’re not alone!

Chocolates and other cacao-based products like cakes and brownies are believed to be mood elevators; probably that’s why cakes are a part of all happy occasions.

Read Also: Does Cocoa Help You Live Longer?

But is this all a myth, or does science also back these beliefs?

The thought of cacao stimulating happy hormones has led to over 28,000 studies on its effects on body and brain health.

Cacao’s Nutritional Benefits

Besides being one of the most popular dessert ingredients globally, cacao is a nutrient-rich superfood. It contains over 300 compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. In fact, it has the highest amount of magnesium that helps relax and contributes to sound sleep. Furthermore, the euphoric components of this nutritious ingredient elevate mood and reduce stress.

Does Cacao Relief Depression?

University College London conducted research in 2019 to find out the impact of dark chocolate on depression. The study analyzed 13,000 adults in the US with depressive symptoms. Results showed that individuals who ate dark chocolate in the past 24 hours were 70% less likely to report feelings of depression.

Is Cacao a Natural Antidepressant? Cacao acts as a natural antidepressant by stimulating happy hormones and alleviating stress. It contains tryptophan, anandamide, PEA, and other compounds. 1

What makes Cacao a Natural Antidepressant?

Cacao contains a wide range of components that influence brain activity positively. The most prominent relaxing compounds in cacao are:

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is a natural antidepressant in cacao that acts by stimulating serotonin and melatonin production, which helps you relax and improve sleep. Thus, tryptophan deficiency is linked to depression.

Flavanols

Flavonols are antioxidants that relax the blood vessels, improve blood flow, and help improve depression and mood disorders. It also increases the availability of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and epinephrine. Studies show long-term flavanol results in neuroprotection.

Anandamide

Research shows that the bliss molecule anandamide may reverse symptoms of depression. It binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and creates a sense of happiness and euphoria. Furthermore, anandamide helps prevent mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.

Phenylethylamine (PEA)

Phenylethylamine, widely known as the love molecule, boosts excitement by improving brain function. So, it also helps improve anxiety and relaxes your mind.

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are anti-oxidant-rich compounds known to reduce stress and eventually decrease your chances of falling into depression.

Magnesium

Cacao contains a high amount of magnesium, which helps regulate the nervous system. Thus, eating chocolate and drinking cacao acts as a natural antidepressant by fighting against physical and mental fatigue.

Theobromine

Theobromine improves mood and stimulates brain function, similar to caffeine. It gives you a slight boost and gives you a feeling of well-being.

Is Chocolate a Natural Antidepressant?

As chocolate is made with cacao, it also helps alleviate stress and reduce depression. It stimulates the production of dopamine and endorphins to improve mood. Moreover, chocolate contains carbohydrates, which increase serotonin and give you instant contentment and satisfaction. However, the cacao content in chocolate is less than unprocessed cocoa and the effect is lower than pure cacao.

So, unprocessed cacao has higher antidepressant properties than chocolate. Cacao is also healthier as it does not contain added sugar.