Why do we crave chocolate? Chocolate is the number one most craved food and womenare the ones most likely to crave it. And rightfully so. As I mention in my book, Food & Mood, many of our cravings for foods are triggered by a stew of appetite-control chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Low and behold, chocolate tickles just about every brain chemical there is. For example, the sugar in chocolate affects two neurotransmitters – serotonin and the endorphins. According to research from Johns Hopkins University, the very taste of sugar on the tongue – such as the sugar in chocolate – releases endorphins in the brain.

These brain chemicals produce a euphoric feeling, making the chocolate experience immediately pleasurable. The sugar in chocolate also might raise brain levels of serotonin a neurotransmitter that also boosts mood. It is no surprise that most people don’t start craving chocolate until mid-afternoon. That’s when a brain chemical called galanin is at its all-time high. Galanin turns on the desire for fatty foods. Women are most likely to turn to the sweet-and-creamy foods with chocolate being the number one choice followed by ice cream, cookies, cakes, pies, and other desserts. Men are more likely to go for the protein-fat foods like steak, gravies, hamburgers, or meatloaf. Then of course the cocoa butter in chocolate is what gives this “moment of ecstasy” that “melt in your mouth” texture that is irresistible.

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Q: I’ve heard that calcium now comes in a chocolate candy. Is this a good supplement?
– Helene

A: Several brands of chewable chocolate-flavored calcium supplements are now available, including Viactiv Soft Calcium Chews, that tastes like a chocolate caramel. Each chew packs in 500 milligrams of calcium (more than two Tums and the same amount as most other supplements) and 100IU of vitamin D, to aid in calcium absorption. The chews don’t contain magnesium, a mineral also essential for bones, so make sure to keep eating those greens, beans, and nuts. Granted, each chew is sweetened with a teaspoon of sugar (as corn syrup) and they’re a bit pricey, but, for a few extra pennies, this is one supplement that tastes so good you’ll look forward to tomorrow’s dose. (Keep out of the reach of children, who might overdose on these tasty treats!) Look for Viactiv Chews or similar chocolate calcium supplements in your local grocery or drug store. -Elizabeth Somer