It s an intense craving, an uncontrollable desire and a desperate need for the instant satisfaction. It s a craving for chocolate. Chocolate is the most commonly craved food in the United States. Research shows that 40 percent of women and 15 percent of men experience the need for chocolate.
Many experts disagree that chocolate addiction really exists.
However, many chocoholics display addictive behaviors, such as secretly consuming chocolate, bingeing and trying to avoid it only to end up overeating. For those who experience these behaviors, the addiction is very real. Whether or not chocolate is addictive, research suggests chocolate may be good for you. Recent studies show that chocolate is packed with antioxidants known as polyphenols that may protect against heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants absorb free radicals in the body.