Chocolate

If you've ever opened a chocolate bar after a horrible day and the world became a slightly less cruel place… you weren't exaggerating. Chocolate, besides being a pleasure, is literally a little pharmacy wrapped in shiny paper.

It's not just a craving, it's chemistry; when you eat chocolate, your brain lights up like a Christmas tree. It contains compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine, which stimulate the nervous system and generate a feeling of well-being.

And note this fact: a study published in The Journal of Psychopharmacology (2013) showed that flavonoid-rich cocoa improves mood and cognitive function. Yes, it's not suggestion, science backs me up ;)

Also, dark chocolate (at least 70%) is loaded with magnesium, that mineral that helps relax muscles, nerves, and even racing thoughts. So, a couple of ounces is almost like a mini-spa for the nervous system.

But of course, not all chocolate is equal; we're not talking about any chocolate, the kind loaded with sugar and weird fats is not exactly medicine. The key is pure cocoa, the one that retains its antioxidants and bioactive compounds.

It's a bit like relationships; it's not the same someone who truly sweetens your life as someone who just raises your sugar and then leaves you with an emotional hangover :)

The soul also appreciates it; beyond biochemistry, chocolate has a place in our little hearts. A study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2015) suggests that flavonoid-rich foods are linked to a lower risk of depression, but even without studies, you know it, chocolate evokes calm, warmth, love.

So next time someone tells you that you're exaggerating with your chocolate bar, you can think, no, darling, I'm medicating!