Craving chocolate is a phenomenon which is experienced by many people, especially women. Researchers are still trying to determine if there is something in the chocolate that is craved or if it is merely the fat, sugar and calories in the chocolate that is desired. There is evidence for both theories.

A recent study found that 45 percent of American women crave chocolate regularly and about half of these women experience intense cravings that are directly linked to their menstrual cycles.

Chocolate is a rich source of calories and it is known that women do tend to consume more calories just prior to menstruation.

However, chocolate also contains several mood-altering chemicals that may be responsible for its anti-depressant effects. The main mood enhancers in chocolate include anandamide, PEA and theobromine.

Anandamide

Also known as the "bliss molecule," anandamide is involved in the perception of pain and emotions, such as the pleasure-reward system in the brain. It is an endogenously produced cannabinoid, which means it is made in the body and is structurally similar to chemical compounds found in the drug cannabis, such as THC. 

PEA (Phenylethylamine)

This compound is produced by the body from the amino acid phenylalanine. It acts as a stimulant and increases the release of norepinephrine and dopamine -- two stimulating neurotransmitters.

PEA is produced at low levels in those with depression and ADHD, but in excessive amounts in some schizophrenics.

Known as the "love chemical," PEA mimics the feeling of falling in love. How much PEA can actually enter the body through eating chocolate is debatable, since it is rapidly metabolized when ingested.

Theobromine

A stimulant chemical that is related to caffeine, theobromine is also found in other widely consumed beverages, such as coffee, yerba mate and tea. It is the primary stimulant in chocolate.

Studies suggest that there is clearly a link between depression and chocolate eating but the causality remains unclear.

In one study, those who are depressed were found to eat more chocolate than those who are not depressed -- about twice as many servings in a month.

The question is: Do people eat chocolate to relieve low mood or is the consumption of chocolate actually causing depression? This is as yet unknown. 

In hospitalized cancer patients, eating dark chocolate for three days was found to decrease anxiety and depression scores and improve health-related quality of life scores.

It is important to note that chocolate increased appetite in this group. Generally, cancer patients benefit from an increase in appetite. This effect may not be beneficial for the rest of us! Frequent eating of chocolate can lead to weight gain, and even the scent of chocolate can influence eating patterns.

One study found that women exposed to chocolate-scented lotion had an increased intake of calories (from chocolate chip cookies) compared to those exposed to an unscented lotion.

So powerful is the effect of this food on appetite! Since giving in to food cravings/weight gain can lead to increased feelings of guilt and depression, chocolate eating may actually be contributing to the problem of depression rather than curing it.

Clearly, much research remains to be done on the link between eating chocolate and depression. Until then, enjoy this most amazing food -- in moderation!