Valentine's day and chocolate have gone hand-in-hand for more than a century. But the director of New York's PATH Medical (Place for Achieving Total Health) says there's a definite connection between the popular candy and human mood -- and that should raise a cautionary flag.
Dr. Eric Braverman says the confection’s proven ability to affect mood swings -- up or down -- comes down to two ingredients common to chocolate: phenylethylamine and theobromine.
"Phenylethylamine can cause emotional highs, but unfortunately, emotional lows, too," Braverman says. Theobromine, a form of caffeine, works as a natural antidepressant. But that doesn't mean it effectively counters the effect of phenylethylamine, he says.
Theobromine is a long-term compound that triggers the release of endorphins in the brain, leading chocolate eaters to crave more bon-bons to counter the antidepressant effect.
It's a Catch 22 situation, Braverman says. He advises chocolate lovers to enjoy the velvety sweets in moderation -- and to always control consumption.
