Why Chocolate Keeps You Sane During That Week

If you've ever found yourself reaching for a piece of chocolate during that time of the month, you're not alone. Many of us crave chocolate just before or during our period, and while it may feel like a guilty pleasure, there’s a scientific explanation for why it can be such a comforting choice.

The Hormonal Roller Coaster of PMS

The biological explanation for the surge in premenstrual food cravings is largely attributed to the hormonal shifts that occur during the luteal phase. Progesterone levels increase, which can trigger changes in mood and appetite.

One of the key players in this hormonal dance is serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to regulate mood and emotional well-being. During the luteal phase, serotonin levels tend to drop, which is often linked to feelings of irritability, sadness, or anxiety. Interestingly, it has been demonstrated that sugar—a common culprit in PMS food cravings—can help boost serotonin levels, providing a temporary mood lift.

When we consume carbohydrates, the body releases insulin, which in turn helps regulate serotonin levels in the brain. However, as progesterone increases during the luteal phase, insulin sensitivity can decrease, which can contribute to blood sugar fluctuations and cravings for more sugar and carbs.

Nutrients In Chocolate

While hormonal fluctuations and serotonin regulation are well-known contributors to premenstrual cravings, recent studies suggest that inflammation plays a significant role as well. A study published on this topic highlighted a link between elevated plasma levels of inflammatory markers and the severity of food cravings during the premenstrual phase.
Nutrients in Chocolate

To a smaller degree, chocolate contains magnesium, copper, zinc, calcium, and potassium, that are needed to build serotonin and reduce cramps. Cravings are our body telling us what we need to bring ourselves back into balance.

So, the next time you reach for that piece of chocolate, you can rest assured that your body isn’t just indulging—it's responding to a natural craving for balance. And remember, when PMS hits, a little chocolate might just be what your body needs to keep you sane until that time of the month passes.

References:

Agarwal, K., Franks, A. T., Zhang, X., Schisterman, E., Mumfordd, S. L., & Joseph, P. V. (2023). Association of inflammation biomarkers with food cravings and appetite changes across the menstrual cycle. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 56, 193–199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.06.004

MacGregor, K. A., Gallagher, I. J., & Moran, C. N. (2021). Relationship Between Insulin Sensitivity and Menstrual Cycle Is Modified by BMI, Fitness, and Physical Activity in NHANES. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 106(10), 2979–2990. https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgab415

Samanta, S., Sarkar, T., Chakraborty, R., Rebezov, M., Shariati, M. A., Thiruvengadam, M., & Rengasamy, K. R. R. (2022). Dark chocolate: An overview of its biological activity, processing, and fortification approaches. Current research in food science, 5, 1916–1943. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crfs.2022.10.017