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Newly found chemicals in chocolate may explain some people’s craving for the rich confection. Chocoholics don’t limit indulging in their favorite ambrosia to holidays: 40 percent of women and 15 percent of men report a chronic chocolate craving.

“It feels sensual,” says a chocolate lover, describing chocolate’s fat and sugar that makes the taste buds happy. An owner of a candy store sees her share of chocoholics, a label she uses for herself. “We have customers that come in and make a direct line for the chocolate case,” she says. Candy shop owner describes her love for chocolate as pleasurable indulgence.

BRAIN HIGH

What may be driving those shoppers? Researchers in Spain now believe newly discovered chemicals inside chocolate stimulate pleasure centers in the brain.

The compounds, called “neuroactive alkaloids,” may contribute to the euphoric feelings associated with eating chocolate, explains psychologist Tom Horvath, PhD, who specializes in addiction and authored the book “Sex, Drugs, Gambling, and Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addiction.”

“The experience is based on chemicals moving around in your brain, which is why when you discover what some of those chemicals might be, it’s an interesting and important finding,” he says. “If the craving then develops and you don’t manage that craving well, you’re on your way to some significant troubles.”

In past studies, the group of chemicals, also known as tetrahydro-beta-carboline alkaloids, were linked to alcoholism, according to Tomas Herraiz, of the Spanish Council for Scientific Research in Madrid. The darker the chocolate, the more potentially mood-boosting alkaloids inside, the scientists find.

“Other active substances in chocolate, like caffeine and magnesium, are often suggested as potential contributors to craving,” Herraiz explained. “Now we can enlarge this list.” Wine, beer, and liquor share some of the chemicals in chocolate. No connection has been made between alcoholism and food addiction, the Spanish researchers note.

Clues about cocoa compounds may serve in understanding other kinds of addictions.

CLUES ABOUT ADDICTION

While the research doesn’t aim to cure people of their chocolate craving, aroma skin patches have been tested on overweight people in the UK. Wearers of the vanilla-scented patch halved their intake of chocolate and lost 4.5 pounds, on average. But cocoa and chocolate will continue to be the main focus in the lab for their effects on mood and behavior.

A hormonal and/or an attitudinal connection with love for chocolate is suggested by many women’s monthly, elevated craving for the sweet during the beginning of menstruation.

Findings could lead to a better understanding of addiction by health workers who work with problem cases of substance abuse of drugs, alcohol, and other substances. “It may lead us to some better prevention methods, possibly some better treatment methods.”

The phenols in cocoa, also found in some alcoholic drinks, may serve as antioxidants for fighting heart disease and cancer.

HEALTH IN A BAR?

Harvard researchers have reported that chocolate may even be a healthy, disease-fighting food. In a study on eating candy and longevity, those who indulged in sweets (sugar candy and chocolate) lived one year longer than those who abstained.

Researchers surmise it may have something to do with the antioxidant phenols in chocolate. Forty-one grams of chocolate carries the same amount of phenol as a glass of red wine, which, in moderation, is said to lower the risk of coronary heart disease--though this continues to be argued among doctors.

Other researchers note that cocoa powder, processed from pod-like fruits from the cacao tree, contain cancer-fighting antioxidants. Compounds in cacao liquor, they explain, “can inhibit reactive oxygen species, as well as modulate immune function,” and both “may decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer.”

The findings associated with chocolate are far from a license to overindulge. The cocoa butter contains saturated fat, which is known to raise blood cholesterol levels, high levels of which can contribute to heart disease.

Americans eat an average of 14 pounds of chocolate per year!

MODERATION SUGGESTED

“If chocolate is the best thing in your life, you need to look at what’s going on in your life, or what isn’t going on in your life.” Americans, many them obese from excessive intake of high fat, high calorie foods, eat an average of 14 pounds of chocolate per year.

“If somebody does like these substances, and their lives are such that they get into an over-established habit, then they can get into trouble.” “The principle of moderation or balance becomes critical.”