Weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, cavities — the evils of chocolate consumption seem to be endless.
We know we shouldn’t reach for that big, smooth, hunk of brown goodness, but we often do. Why?
Contents
show
Well, it turns out that moderate chocolate consumption is a legit stress-buster.
Perhaps that’s why it tastes so good.
For the first time ever, some clever researchers have proven that sugar — not sweeteners — directly reduces stress levels in humans.
And here’s the science of it: When you’re stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol, which increases your heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Sugary sweet treats inhibit this cortisol. Simple.