Why We Crave Chocolate (and How to Make it a Mood Booster, Not a Sugar Crash)

We've all been there. Feeling a little stressed or a bit down, scrolling through social media, and suddenly... The chocolate cravings hit hard. You might think it's just because that creamy, sugary treat sounds delicious, but there's a deeper science at play. The real culprit behind those cravings? The hidden power of pure cacao, the core ingredient in chocolate, to naturally elevate your mood before you add all the c**p.

Your Neurotransmitters

Our brains are complex ecosystems, constantly buzzing with activity. Tiny chemical messengers called Neurotransmitters play a vital role in this internal symphony, influencing everything from mood and focus to sleep and pain perception. Two key players in the happiness department are Serotonin and Dopamine.

What do Serotonin and Dopamine do?

Serotonin, often hailed as the "happiness hormone," plays a starring role in regulating mood, appetite, and even sleep. When its levels dip, feelings of gloom and anxiety can start to cloud our days. 

Dopamine, on the other hand, is the reward system's rockstar, fuelling motivation and that oh-so-satisfying feeling of accomplishment. It's the neurotransmitter that throws a party in your brain when you reach a goal, learn something new, or simply savour a truly delicious experience.

The Craving Connection: Why We Reach for Chocolate When We're Down

So, when stress or sadness hits, why do we crave chocolate? It's because our bodies are subconsciously seeking a way to boost those feel-good neurotransmitters. However, most commercially available chocolate is loaded with sugar and processed ingredients. This sugar rush might give you a temporary high, but it's followed by a crash that can leave you feeling worse than before.

So, how can we nurture these vital chemicals and keep our brain's happiness factory humming? The answer might surprise you… 100% pure cacao boasts a unique nutritional profile that directly impacts these mood-regulating chemicals. 

 Pure Cacao...

• is Rich in Flavanols: These powerful antioxidants stimulate the production of endorphins, leading to a natural mood lift without the jitters.
• Contains Tryptophan: This amino acid is a precursor to serotonin, meaning our bodies convert it into the feel-good neurotransmitter.
• is High in Theobromine: Pure cacao provides a gentle energy boost without the jitters or post caffeine crash, further enhancing dopamine activity.

 Supercharge Your Mood with Pure Cacao

Here are some delicious ways to incorporate Pure Cacao into your diet:

• Hot Cacao (obvs!)
• Cacao Cookies Smoothie
• Cacao Date Bark 
• Cacaomisu

 TOP TIPS: Habit stack your fave mood boosters 

• Enjoy your hot cacao and watch the sunset ☀️
• Drink your hot cacao on your morning walk