Do you crave chocolate when you are stressed? Maybe indulging isn’t such a bad idea!

If you are hoping we are going to tell you that you are free to go ahead and drizzle chocolate syrup on your cereal, just hear us out. Chocolate has a lot of notable beneficial properties and when consumed in moderation, can be a delicious addition to your healthy diet.

Dark chocolate is by far healthier and more nutrient-dense than milk chocolate. Generally, the darker the chocolate, the better. Milk chocolate has a plethora of additives that dilute its nutritional value, including dairy and a lot of sugar. That ooey-gooey bar with the caramel and marshmallows may sound amazing, but that pure dark bar with individually wrapped squares is going to make your body much happier.

Why Chocolate Makes You Happy

There are over 300 known chemical compounds in chocolate. There are over 100 compounds in Receptra full-spectrum pure CBD hemp extract. Yes, there is some compound crossover and those compounds are responsible for a lot of the good stuff derived from both CBD and chocolate. This includes the natural mood-boosting compound, anandamide.

What is Anandamide and Why is it Awesome?

The word anandamide is derived from the Sanskrit term “Ananda” which means bliss. This is why it is commonly referred to as the bliss molecule. Anandamide is found in chocolate and is naturally in the body.

Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is produced in the brain and binds to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body and is considered an endocannabinoid. It is synthesized in areas of the brain that are important for memory, focus, movement control, and more. Anandamide also plays an important role in pain perception, along with appetite, and fertility.

The endocannabinoid system is a vast network of chemical compounds and receptors that exist naturally in the body and serve the purpose of maintaining homeostasis (balance). Every animal with vertebrae, including you, has an endocannabinoid system. “Endo” means internal. One of the most prominent endocannabinoids is anandamide.

How do Chocolate and CBD Work Together

This gets sciency but stay with us. Anandamide is created by the body as it needed, so there is not actually a bunch of it being produced and stored up to keep you in a state of constant happiness. The anandamide that is produced is quickly destroyed by the metabolic enzyme FAAH (Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase). This is why your blissful state is temporary.

One of the other 300 compounds found in chocolate is called theobromine. This compound serves the purpose of making you feel more relaxed and causing the brain to produce more anandamide.

The mood-boosting properties associated with both CBD and chocolate stem from anandamide. CBD has the ability to inhibit the FAAH enzyme, which means that anandamide is not broken down as quickly. Thus it remains in the system longer and so does the happy feeling.

Why is Dark Chocolate Good for You?

• 1. Dark chocolate is made from seeds of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet.
• 2. High-quality dark chocolate is rich in fiber, copper, magnesium, manganese, and a few other minerals that are tied to better circulation.
• 3. Dark chocolate is loaded biologically active compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins which have a number of benefits including promoting skin health.
• 4. Brain function may improve because of increased blood flow. Chocolate also contains natural stimulants like caffeine and theobromine.
• 5. Replacing sugary treats with dark chocolate (at least 70% dark) can curb your sweet tooth in a way that doesn’t impact your waistline.

Consuming Chocolate and CBD

Like many compounds, CBD is most bioavailable when administered sublingually (under the tongue). It can also be taken orally, which means that it could make a great addition to your dark chocolate truffles or cup of dark hot chocolate. You may also just choose to take your CBD sublingually within minutes of consuming your chocolate (before or after.) CBD and chocolate make a great pair and can give you that extra boost of bliss you were craving!