Does a chunk of chocolate a day keep the mood swings away?

The answer to this question isn’t as simple as we would like it to be. Wouldn’t it just be wonderful to hear that new research has concluded that eating large quantities of chocolate during menopause not only reduces all our unpleasant symptoms, but also did it in a way that meant we didn’t put on weight? Unfortunately, this article isn’t about to divulge such revelations, but instead it intends to give you reasons why a small amount of our favorite “bad food” might be good for us after all, and that is surely as good a news as any?

Mood swings are a common symptom of menopause and affect more than 50% of menopausal women. A woman’s emotional stability can be quickly tossed upside-down because of her hormonal imbalance causing severe bouts of extreme sadness, anger and happiness. During “the change” the hormones in your body are on a rollercoaster ride and your moods can become very unpredictable. Fortunately, you can make lifestyle and dietary changes to rebalance the hormones and decrease the frequency and duration of your mood swings. So should you continue to have chocolate in your diet? Will it help or hinder those terrible tantrums?

Is chocolate good for minimizing mood swings?

We all know that a balanced diet is essential for the body to remain healthy and happy. We also know that all foods can be eaten, even the bad ones, when eaten in moderation (something we all tell ourselves when we stuff that last piece of chocolate into our mouths, for fear of feeling guilty!). Read on to learn why a small amount of chocolate is useful for minimizing mood swings:

Opioids are chemicals that are produced in the brain and are used to diminish pain sensations, enhance pleasure and create an overall sense of well-being. They act as a natural anti-depressant. Chocolate contains a component called phenylethylamine, or PEA, which helps to boost opioid levels so a small amount can naturally help to improve someone’s mood. Dark chocolate is a better choice though because it contains higher amounts of PEA. Scientific research also suggests that PEA in chocolate produces a confidence-installing buzz which will only aid a person’s mood.

Stimulates the “happy-hormone”

Chocolate also contains the chemical tryptophan. When this is consumed it stimulates the production of serotonin, the “happy-hormone” (although it isn’t actually a hormone) which is primarily responsible for enhancing mood. The tryptophan is converted to serotonin, as well as stimulating the natural production. Having a greater quantity of serotonin means a person is more likely to stay calm and relaxed. Serotonin also levels out a woman’s hormones, particularly when they become imbalanced during her menstrual cycle and menopause, hence why mood swings are less likely to occur if the serotonin levels are higher. This might explain why women crave chocolate so much during their period…

Its palatability makes us happy!

Chocolate is one of the only foods that can melt in your mouth at body temperature. It is this pleasurable experience, along with the fabulous taste and texture of the chocolate that can just generally make us happier.

Recomendation

So, the good news is that chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, can help us control, or minimize our mood swings by interfering with the chemical balance in the brain. However, the bad news is that chocolate needs to be eaten in strict moderation and this requires a lot of self-restraint. It is suggested that we should only eat one ounce a day so maybe eat it after a meal so you won’t be so tempted to eat more and more. To learn more about mood swings and other dietary suggestions follow this link.