Is there a relationship between consuming cacao and improving mood in people with depression? This issue is not only of interest to those who are ill, but also to scientists. In recent years, several studies have been conducted on this subject, and the results are interesting and open up new perspectives in the treatment of depression.
Depression is a mental illness characterized by a low mood, loss of interest in life, difficulty feeling pleasure, decreased energy, changes in appetite and sleep, as well as thoughts about oneself, others, and the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world, affecting about 300 million people. Traditional methods of treating depression include pharmacological therapy and psychotherapy, but many people seek alternative ways to improve their mood.
Why cacao?
One such way could be consuming cacao. In studies on the effect of cacao on depression, a very important aspect is also recognizing which component of cacao is responsible for its positive effects. It contains many nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, as well as theobromine and anandamide, which can improve mood and well-being.
Theobromine is an alkaloid of the methylxanthine group, similar to caffeine but with a milder effect. The impact of theobromine on mental health is related to its ability to influence the concentration of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Studies
In recent years, many studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of cacao on the well-being of people with depression.
It’s recommended to study those reasearches:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33970709/
Impact on the heart
In addition to its impact on neurotransmitter levels, cacao can also affect the cardiovascular system, which is particularly important for people suffering from depression. Studies show that people with cardiovascular diseases are more prone to developing depression. Cacao, thanks to its antioxidant content, can contribute to the protection of the heart and blood vessels.
Conclusions
In summary, scientific research suggests a link between cacao consumption and the reduction of depressive symptoms. Cacao can affect neurotransmitter levels, improve cognitive functions, and contribute to the protection of the cardiovascular system. Although the results of these studies are promising, it is important to note that cacao should not be used as a substitute for conventional methods of treating depression. Cacao can be a helpful addition to a comprehensive treatment plan, but it should not be used as the only treatment method.
It is also worth noting that not all chocolate products are equally good. Many commercially available chocolate products contain a lot of sugar and fat, which can have a negative impact on overall health. When introducing cacao into the diet, it is best to choose high-quality products, minimally processed and with a high percentage of cacao.
You can find such cacao in our online SHOP, to which we cordially invite you 🙂
