Is chocolate naughty or is it nice?

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Before chocolate and cocoa were viewed not just as a beverage, but as a food to treat disorders including angina and heart pain. Only in the past 30 years have the perception of chocolates changed from a health food to a confectionery one. Did you know that there are over 300 chemicals that can be found in chocolates? These have lots of effects on our body through our nervous system. Chocolates can affect the brain causing the release of certain neurotransmitters. These are the molecules that transmit signals between neurons. Here are some of them:Endorphins can help reduce stress and can lead to feeling of euphoria. Eating chocolates increases the level of endorphins released in the brain, making chocolate as a comfort food. It also work to lessen pain and decrease stress. Phenylethylamine can also be found in chocolates. This so called "chocolate amphetamine" or cause changes in blood pressure and blood sugar levels leading to feeling of excitement and alertness. It works like amphetamines to increase addiction. It is also calle the "Love Drug" because it causes your pulse rate to quicken, resulting in a similar feeling to when someone is in love. Anandamine is unique due to its resemblance to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) a chemical found in marijuana. Both cause the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter which leads to having a feeling of being high. Research says that it would take about 25 pound of chocolate to achieve a similar high to that of marijuana. Theobromine have properties that can lead to mental and physical relaxation, it also acts as stimulant similar to caffeine. It can increase your alertness but can also cause headaches. Did you know that chocolates does not treat all nervous systems the same? Many animals can be killed by the chemical in chocolate known as theobromine because it does not metabolize quickly in animals specifically dogs and horses. But not every type of chocolate has the same benefits. The beneficial compounds found in the cocoa powder. Researchers says it may be beneficial to indulge in dark chocolate rather than in milk chocolates. A recent study also says that a daily bite or two of chocolate could cut the risk of dying from heart attack in half. Eating a little bit or having hot cocoa as part of your regular diet is good for your health.