Evidence supporting the use of: Chocolate liquor
For the body system: Serotonin

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chocolate liquor, which is made from ground cacao beans and contains both cocoa solids and cocoa butter, is sometimes cited as supporting the serotonin system in the body due to its content of certain bioactive compounds. Scientifically, chocolate contains tryptophan, an amino acid precursor to serotonin, as well as phenylethylamine and small amounts of caffeine and theobromine. Some research suggests that consumption of chocolate may influence mood and promote feelings of well-being, possibly through serotonergic pathways. However, the concentrations of tryptophan in chocolate liquor are relatively low compared to other dietary sources, and chocolate's effects on mood may also be attributable to psychological factors like palatability and reward, rather than direct serotonin modulation. Clinical studies do show that carbohydrate-rich foods can facilitate serotonin synthesis, but the evidence specifically linking chocolate liquor to significant increases in serotonin levels in the brain is limited. Additionally, much of the positive mood effects associated with chocolate are acute and not necessarily indicative of long-term serotonergic support. Therefore, while there is a plausible biochemical mechanism and some limited scientific support, the strength of evidence remains modest, and chocolate liquor should not be considered a primary or reliable agent for supporting the serotonin system.

More about Chocolate liquor
More about Serotonin

Other body systems supported by Chocolate liquor

Arteries
Brain
Dopamine
Heart
Serotonin

Products containing Chocolate liquor

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.