Brain, Heart, Love & Chocolate

Traditionally we're buying on Valentines' Day chocolate for the loved ones. A lot of companies produce chocolate in a shape of the heart especially for this day. However, its' a present more for the brain than for heart. We feel good and happy both from love and chocolate. Do you know "Why"?

Love and chocolate increase in the brain level of the same neuromodulator - phenylethylamine (PEA), which functionally and chemically related to neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine and histamine. As a result, it activates the pleasure and reward centers into the brain.

Consuming chocolate will not help to fall in love. We feel happy mostly from a sweet taste. However, chocolate contains small amounts of PEA which, it seems, has some positive impact. Because of its chocolate still a part of a "food and mood" theory.