“Chocolate is the best natural antidepressant,” Australian scientists led by Dr. Gordon Parker of the Black Dog Institute at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, Australia, disproved this common belief.
“Chocolate is the best natural antidepressant,” Australian scientists led by Dr. Gordon Parker of the Black Dog Institute at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, Australia, disproved this common belief. It turns out that there are two types of passion for chocolate: some people eat it simply because they love it and would never agree to replace it with other sweets; others try to use it to “seize” their bad mood and, in the absence of the cherished tile, will easily agree to ice cream or a piece of cake. Accordingly, the effect is different: chocolate lovers experience sensual pleasure associated with the release of the hormone dopamine. And for those who seek solace in chocolate, a temporary improvement in mood occurs, which is caused by biologically active compounds — endorphins. This is where the danger is hidden: according to Gordon Parker, endorphins give relief for a short time, and then the depressed state not only returns, but also intensifies.