Chocolate and oxytocin

2. The Scientific Side of Chocolate By Kathryn Stanley

3. Why do we associate chocolatewith Valentine’s Day?

5. 1. 2. 3.

6. What is oxytocin? Released during: Sexual activity Maternity High fives and hugs Certain looks, smells, etc. Yields feelings of love, empathy, trust

7. Oxytocin and Love:Trust and Empathy In this study, participants were shown images of frightening faces and scenes. Those who had been administered oxytocin show less brain activity in the part of the brain that processes fear. Oxytocin promotes trust.

8. Oxytocin and Love:Relationships

9. Oxytocin and Love:Relationships Prairie voles study

10. Oxytocin and Love:Maternal Behavior

11. Oxytocin and chocolate Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which stimulates the release of oxytocin

12. Oxytocin and chocolate When we love someone, oxytocin is released and binds to the same receptors as the ones where addictive drugs act When we eat chocolate, oxytocin is released and binds to these same receptors

14. References Broadfoot, Marla V. (May-June 2002). “High On Fidelity”. American Scientist, 90(3), 1. Retrieved from http://www.americanscientist.org/issues/pub/high-on-fidelity. Dopierala, Linda (1999 February). “Love, Neurochemistry, and Chocolate: A Word From Cupid”. Retrieved from http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/chatroom/topic/44288. Kirsh et al. (2005, November). “Oxytocin Modulates Neural Circuitry for Social Cognition and Fear in Humans”. Journal of Neuroscience, 25(49), 11489-11493. Retrieved from http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/abstract/25/49/11489. Medina, John J. (2008 August). “Oxytocin and the Bottom Line”. Retrieved from http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/display/article/10168/1171230?verify=0