Chocolate: Food for Moods
- Author:
Wong SY
;
Lua PL
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Chocolate, mood, nutrients, oro-sensory aspects, pharmalogical effects
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2011;17(2):259-269
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Chocolate is a popular food and its consumption has long been
associated with enjoyment and pleasure. The effect of chocolate on mood too has
long been recognised. Chocolate is thought to have interactions with
neurotransmitters which contribute to mood modulation and appetite regulation.
However, the evidence in chocolate and mood studies remains highly
controversial. As more is known about the influence of chocolate on mood, the
reasons for these effects appear increasingly complex and inter-related. Methods:
We reviewed chocolate’s properties and the principal hypotheses addressing its
mood altering propensities. Results: The relationship between chocolate and
mood are highly complex, combining psychopharmacological components,
nutritional and sensory characteristics of the food. Individual and situational
differences on chocolate consumption may also exert influence on mood and the
mixed results in previous research indicate that the direction of the association
remains unclear. Conclusion: The association between chocolate consumption
and emotions warrants further multi-prong investigations to substantiate
chocolate’s mood alterating propensity.
- Full text:W020150714390609406489.pdf
