The Story of a Mysterious Relationship: Women and Chocolate
Chocolate... You're craving it while drinking coffee, and sometimes for no reason at all. It suddenly occurs to you while at work or watching TV. Men may love it, but for women, it's perhaps the only food they never stop looking for. There is a relationship between women and chocolate that men don't share. What lies behind chocolate that it makes women so happy and why they crave for it? What does chocolate do that women can't do without it? To solve the mystery behind women's love for chocolate, look a little closer at its properties.
Cacao and chocolate originated in Mesoamerica. Called "the food of the gods" by the Mayans, it has been consumed since 460 B.C. Chocolate contains a significant amount of carbohydrates and fats in addition to polyphenols, minerals, and fiber. Which of these compounds makes it indispensable, in addition to its taste?
It is said that the caffeine and theobromine found in chocolate affect mood and cognitive functions by crossing from blood into the brain and binding to specific receptors. Tyramine, a derivative of phenylethylamine and tyrosine, is known to stimulate the release of dopamine from brain cells. Tryptophan stimulates the release of serotonin. The good mood and calm one feels after eating chocolate is associated with an increase in dopamine and serotonin levels, sometimes known as "happiness hormones." In addition, it is thought that the taste of chocolate alone has a mood-improving effect.
Women may have an increased desire for chocolate before and during menstruation. Magnesium is a mineral found in significant amounts in chocolate. Chocolate craving is reported to be associated with decreased levels of magnesium and hormonal changes during menstruation. In addition, the need for increased energy during menstruation can stimulate the desire for chocolate. Decreased levels of estrogen in this period can make a woman moody and unhappy. Women who eat chocolate experience a boost in serotonin and dopamine levels that can make them feel better. Some experts also point out that craving for chocolate during menstruation may depend on cultural habits or psychological reasons.
It's clear that women love chocolate. It's easy to include chocolate, preferably bitter chocolate, into a balanced nutrition plan and experience its health benefits. The thing is to balance the quantity and frequency of consumption!
Women love chocolate, crave it, and feel better with it. Hormones and chocolate go together well. And besides all the health benefits, chocolate is tasty!
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