Anxiety is a normal part of life, but for some people it can turn into one of life’s big problems. There are millions of people in the modern world who suffer with some form of anxiety disorder; this pervasive condition is psychological in nature, but it can manifest through hundreds of different symptoms, both physical and psychological. Many people turn to prescription drugs to handle anxiety, but this is a dangerous route: such drugs can have negative effects on the long run that vastly outweigh their benefits on the short run. Anyone who wishes to use a substance that helps reduce anxiety should consider natural alternatives… such as chocolate.
That’s right: when it comes to managing general anxiety, chocolate can be a powerful ally. Consumed in regular moderation, chocolate can be a powerful relaxant. Most types of chocolate you find on the market have 1mg of magnesium per gram; as such, a small 50g portion of chocolate is enough to provide a good reserve of magnesium, which is instrumental to promote mental well-being. Anyone who has problems with anxiety should start drinking hot chocolate instead of coffee, since caffeine actually induces anxiety… whereas chocolate contributes towards relaxation.
When faced with stress and anxiety, the body normally uses its reserves of magnesium. When there’s a shortage of this mineral, chemical imbalance ensues; this is actually one of the reasons chocolate has a noticeable sedative effect in anxiety patients, since it helps keeps their mineral reserves in stock. Additionally, chocolate has specific compounds such as anandamide, which induces a sensation of blissfulness by promoting relaxation in specific neural-receptors. Phenylethylamine is another compound usually found in chocolate which has positive mood altering qualities; our brains actually release this compound on their own, when we experience enjoyable and loveable sensations.
Next time you feel like your anxiety is about to take over try eating a small portion of chocolate (up to 50g). You might just find it works wonderfully in helping you find some comfort from your inner turmoil! Needless to say, you can’t treat anxiety just by eating chocolate, but as a part of a healthy lifestyle, regular servings of chocolate can have a powerful effect in helping you feel at ease in your body and mind.
