05/18/2025

Nature's 3,500-year-old Antidepressant

Chocolate affects brain chemistry and mood

In a world where pharmaceutical interventions dominate mental health treatment, researchers are exploring traditional remedies with scientifically backed benefits. Among these ancient treatments, chocolate—particularly dark chocolate with high cocoa content—stands out as a promising tool for managing depression. But this "modern discovery" is actually a rediscovery of knowledge that indigenous peoples of the Americas have preserved for millennia.

Chocolate's Indigenous Roots

Long before chocolate became a comfort food, it was revered as a sacred medicine by Mesoamerican civilizations. The word "chocolate" has its roots in the Maya term "Ka'kau" (meaning "heart blood") and "Chokola'j" ("to drink together").

Archaeological evidence reveals cacao's use dates back at least 3,500 years, with these ancient civilizations considering it a divine gift with profound healing properties. In these cultures, cacao was prepared as a drink, often mixed with herbs and spices, and used in ceremonies and for medicinal purposes.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Psychology Today.