The average American eats approximately eleven pounds of chocolate each year, or 176 ounces. Therefore, the average American's consumption of chocolate may be one of his or her best existing weapons against heart disease and other degenerative diseases. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, chocolate is also an excellent mood booster. It has a very special combination of chemicals that elevates mood, soothes stress, and even selectively stimulates feelings of attachment and love. Thus, the traditional gift of chocolate to a loved one is based not only in custom, but also in chemistry.
PEA stimulates the nervous system and triggers release of endorphins, the body's own analgesic.
It's believed that the body naturally secretes PEA in response to feelings of love and affection, and that PEA then biochemically reinforces these feelings. The chemical, anandamide, binds to the same receptors in the brain as does marijuana. In fact, like the active ingredients in marijuana, anandamide is a cannabinoid, and affects all areas of the brain simultaneously, creating a mild global euphoria. These soothing and stimulating brain chemicals that are found in chocolate appear to be particularly desired by females who are experiencing premenstrual symptoms. The negative neurological symptoms of PMS respond well to the biochemical effects of chocolate.