Why the passion for chocolate can only satisfy chocolate and is it true that craving for this product is close to drug addiction
Chocolate is the most beloved delicacy of people. About 40 percent of women and 15 percent of men admit that they must intercept the chocolate from time to time, which can be regarded as a certain addiction.
It's amazing that other foods and even sweets cannot interrupt the craving for chocolate. There was an idea that the whole thing is in the large amount of magnesium contained in it, and in this way people satisfy their deficiency. There is no less magnesium in nuts, but somehow I have not met really addicted to hazelnuts or cashews.
Is the passion for chocolate a kind of addiction?
In terms of chemistry, it does contain psychoactive substances:
- theobromine (a mild central nervous system stimulant)
- anandamide (endogenous cannabinoid),
- phenylethylamine (amphetamine-like compound)
- caffeine.
But their content is so small that it hardly affects anything. While eating chocolate the same parts of the brain are activated as when taking drugs.
Research: is it possible to replace chocolate
Inhuman experiments were carried out in which instead of their favorite bars they tried to slip the devils into chocolate lovers - different capsules with cocoa powder or even a placebo. But it was not possible to deceive the sweet tooth: the passion for chocolate was quenched only by chocolate, both white and milky.
As a result, the scientists were convinced that it is not only a matter of pharmacology (otherwise raw cocoa would do well), but also the taste of chocolate in general.
There were other, humane, experiments in which people were simply fed with tiles. And so chocolate addicts always ate it more than others - about 112 grams versus 45.
And, alas, another tendency was clearly traced - "drug addicts" have always been fatter than the control group. Pay attention to this!
Four Tips for Dealing with a Chocolate Addiction
So you have to take chocolate seriously. He, alas, has power over us.
And it is difficult to treat it.
You can slightly reduce traction by using chromium picolinate and supplementation with magnesium.
Therefore, try to include moral and volitional qualities:
- It is imperative to count how much chocolate you eat.
- It should be a small piece that needs to be sucked behind the cheek.
- Do not wash it down with tea or coffee to prolong the pleasure.
- And if you suddenly broke off and ate more than you should have, be sure to take this into account in your calorie intake.
Your Doctor Pavlova. If you want to learn more useful facts about health - subscribe to my Zen channel