We know it (well, we thought we knew it): chocolate, it’s good for morale. Rich in magnesium known for its relaxing effects, but also in tyramine and phenylethylamine, two substances similar to amphetamines which act on the brain by increasing the effects of neurotransmitters, chocolate is our favorite natural antidepressant.
Now, American scientists have released a study that undermines the anti-depression virtues of chocolate.
According to these researchers from the University of Minnesota (United States), pouncing on chocolate after a romantic break-up or a deep depression would have no real effect on our morale boost. The effects of chocolate would be purely psychological.
No food is more comforting than another
For this study, the researchers invited a hundred volunteers to watch films that generate anxiety. At the end of this cinema session, some received a triple ration of chocolate while others were offered products designated as “good but not particularly comforting”. Others only received a simple bar of muesli or even … nothing at all! All then filled out a questionnaire indicating their mood. Result: the morale of the participants improved, regardless of the food ingested. “No food would therefore be more comforting than another, and in no case chocolate” conclude the researchers.
“The anti-depression virtues that we give to chocolate are simply the way we have to relieve ourselves of guilt when we fall for foods deemed unhealthy” says Prof. Traci Mann, director of research, published by the professional journal Health Psychology. “Eating chocolate has no biochemical effect. But it definitely has a psychological effect,” she concludes.
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