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Dr Shock MD PhD
Chocolate is not an antidepressant. Interaction between chocolate and neurotransmitter systems in the brain, such as serotonin, that contribute to appetite, reward and mood regulation were studied but no antidepressant mechanism of chocolate was found.
Most possible psychoactive substances in chocolate are metabolized in the blood by an enzyme (monoamineoxydase A), these substances are unable to pass the blood brain barrier, they are metabolized before they can even reach this barrier. Beta-phenyl-ethylamine is the only possible psychoactive substance in chocolate that passes the blood brain barrier. It is a direct dopamine releasing ingredient. Moreover, cocoa contains caffeine and it’s structural derivatives, these components can have antiparkinsonian effects.
The consumption of chocolate is significantly higher in Parkinson’s Disease patients compared to controls, while consumption of non-chocolate sweets was similar in both groups
The consumption of chocolate was assessed using self questionnaires in patients with Parkinson’s disease (n= 274) and their partners as controls (n=234). Also the consumption of non-chocolate …