Chocolate With Depression - Can Chocolate Really Help Depression Symptoms?

If we eat chocolate with depression, can chocolate really help depression symptoms?

What is definitely true is that Cocoa helps the fight against depression. The cocoa bean, or pure ground cocoa, contain a lot of the vitamins and chemicals necessary to sufferers.

There are those who would dispute the fact that chocolate helps depression, but of course these would be referring to milk chocolates, chocolate candy products and processed cocoa. Milk chocolate contains a lot of sugar and fats which would counteract the benefits, which indeed are less in milk chocolate, than pure chocolates.

The benefits of hot cocoa, or cocoa used in cooking etc,are undeniable.

Way back in the first few years A.D., the benefits of cocoa were known. The Aztecs would drink it mixed with water, and laced with spices and chillies. They claimed it helped in their sexual prowess, gave feelings of euphoria and general well-being.

They were not far wrong, although they had no way of knowing the properties found in cocoa. First, it contains caffeine, and theobromine, which are stimulants. Cocoa contains tryptophan, which elevates mood, and flavonoid, which is an antioxidant, helps improve blood pressure, and protects cells from damage.

The carbohydrates in chocolate increase neurotransmitters, such as; serotonin, dopamine and phenylethylamine, which alleviate depression, and give general feelings of well-being. Cocoa also contains M A O inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) which help prolong the benefits of neurotransmitters. Cocoa also raises endorphins, which increase pleasure and lessen pain.

The vitamins found in cocoa are:

- Vitamins B1,2,3,5, and 11 which, in conjunction with other vitamins, help release energy from food, and aid the formation of the body's defenses.
- Vitamin D which helps the uptake of calcium and phosphorus, good for teeth and bones.
- Vitamin E has antioxidant properties, helps build muscle, and promotes the production of red blood cells, and protects cell walls.

Cocoa and dark chocolate also contain resveratrol, which is a potent antioxidant found in the skin of black grapes, and therefore also in red wine, and in raspberries, mulberries, peanuts and peanut butter.

Resveratrol differs from other antioxidants in that it crosses the blood-brain divide, thus helping to protect the nervous system and the brain.

Resveratrol neutralises free radicals, whereby reducing oxidative stress and supporting the body’s natural defences.

Other benefits of this powerful antioxidant include:

Inhibiting the spread of cancer, especially of the prostate

Protecting cells from free radical damage

Lowering blood pressure

Aiding heart health and improving elasticity in blood vessels

Normalising anti-inflammatory response

There is also evidence that resveratrol can slow down the signs of aging and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

All these benefits come from pure cocoa, or dark chocolate, the higher cocoa percentage, the better. Chocolate with 80% cocoa, or higher, is perfect. Though of course, the higher the cocoa percentage, the more bitter the taste.

This pure chocolate, and Cocoa itself, will give you all these benefits. Although to the real chocolate lover, even milk chocolate will give them a good feeling. Just its texture, the smooth silkiness in the mouth, will give feelings of pleasure. Is it True? Can chocolate really help depression symptoms? Definitely yes, with all the good chemicals and vitamins etc that it contains but, like everything else, should be taken in moderation.

There are many natural cures for depression, without having to resort to pharmaceutical help. No one needs to suffer with this disease, there's help out there, you just have to look.

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