Feel-Good Foods: Mood Boosters
By Shara Aaron, MS, RD
Dark Chocolate
Nutrition facts (1 oz.): 136 calories, 2 g fiber, 8.5 g fat, 1 g protein
How it boosts mood: Just call it the ultimate comfort food. Chocolate has been found in study after study to improve a negative mood. Why? Besides evoking fond memories of holidays and happy occasions, chocolate has the optimal combination of sweet flavor and creamy texture to cause a very effective release of endorphins, which are mood-elevating hormones. Cocoa and dark chocolate contain significant amounts of antioxidant flavanols, which have been shown to improve blood flow in the brain.
Quick-prep idea: Add mini, semisweet chocolate chips to your trail mix. Or melt a few pieces of dark chocolate in the microwave to use as a dip for strawberries.
Keep in mind: This advice isn’t a green light to replace your balanced meals with dark chocolate. Remember, fruits and vegetables are also loaded with antioxidants—and in contrast to eating chocolate, you don’t have to worry about fat when chomping on carrots and apples. If you love chocolate, eat it in moderation, and try to make the switch from milk chocolate to dark chocolate to get more antioxidants. For more information about savoring this sweet treat, check out Rediscovering Chocolate.
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