According to Lee, chocolate contains several psychoactive compounds being studied and debated as responsible for the mood lift many of us experience when eating it. Among these compounds are: phenylethylamine (PEA), which are elevated in the brain when we are in love. The second compound, theobromine, triggers energy and a sense of alertness. Chocolate also contains a small amount of a chemical known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine, a substance that prevents endorphins from breaking down. In other words, if we are happy, we just might stay happier longer with a little chocolate.
Chocolate also has a high concentration of antioxidants known as flavonoids. These types of antioxidants have been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce chances of heart attack and stroke. Chocolate is also rich in magnesium and potassium, which promote relaxation and contains selenium, which enhances immune health.
Dr. Lee suggests that the ideal portion is 1 ounce (about 1/3 of an average bar or roughly the size of the palm of a woman’s hand) of dark chocolate per day.
Now we are talking, bring on the chocolate....after all... it is Doctor’s orders!
For those you that prefer to indulge in a less calorie-laden stress reliever, check out the following suggestions:
- Nourish your body with nutrient-rich foods, herbs, and supplements that repair stress damage
- Detox your system and jump-start your body’s healing with an easy-to-follow eating plan
- Sleep well again by following simple steps to protect and promote the rest your body needs
- Move to simple, low-impact exercises that can be done in five-minute to one-hour increments
- Retrain your mind so you can access a sense of peace and calm even in your most stressed-out moments
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