The breakup of a love relationship can bring consequences to the body such as: permanent anxiety, insomnia, irritation, prostration and lack of interest in the world. And that's where chocolate comes in: who has never seen a similar scene or even resorted to this delicious treat in a moment of emotional need? There are those who guarantee that eating chocolate gives a feeling of pleasure and happiness, there is even an explanation for this phenomenon?
The role of chemistry in the fascination of so many people for this delicacy begins long before the package is opened, the chocolate does have an unusual ability to interact with brain chemistry, at least that's what studies show. 500 chemical substances responsible for the taste of chocolate were identified. Among them, we can mention carbonyl compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and heterocyclics. But the feeling of well-being that this food causes is linked to the stimulation of the production of serotonin in the human body.
Chocolate contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which is responsible for the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is chemically named 5-hydroxytryptamine and is represented by the molecular formula N
In the premenstrual period, changes occur in the hormonal levels of the female body: serotonin production and deficit decrease of this neurotransmitter, and as a consequence increases the feeling of sadness and despondency, making women more irritable and depressed. Therefore, during this period they usually run after a chocolate to make up for the need.
Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
By Líria Alves
Graduated in Chemistry
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SOUZA, Líria Alves de. "Relationship between chocolate and emotional upheavals"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/relacao-entre-chocolate-os-abalos-emocionais.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
