Chocolate can boost your mood and well-being when enjoyed mindfully, in moderation

According to mental fitness coach, Liezel van der Westhuizen, chocolate triggers the release of "feel-good" chemicals in the brain, such as endorphins and serotonin, which boost happiness, pleasure, and overall well-being. It can also support memory, cognitive function, and help reduce stress.

The sensory pleasure of eating chocolate, along with compounds like phenylethylamine, further enhances its mood-lifting effects.

Cameron Herman, cofounder of Clout Group, said: "Research endorsed by the World Economic Forum shows that consumers who choose sustainable or ethically sourced products experience higher levels of well-being, especially when it comes to indulgent foods like chocolate, because people don't only enjoy the product itself, they also enjoy the act of making a mindful choice. It's a psychological reward that adds to the pleasure of the treat."

However, Van der Westhuizen emphasised that chocolate was most beneficial when it’s used to enhance our well-being rather than undermine it. She suggests:

• Enjoying it in moderation

• Choosing varieties with a higher cocoa content

• Eating mindfully

To listen to Van der Westhuizen in conversation with Africa Melane on CapeTalk's Early Morning Breakfast show, click below: