From Ancient Ritual to Modern Treat: Surprising Health Facts About Chocolate

Jul 07, 2025 General Health

 

A blog post that tells you chocolate is a good thing? This is one for existing chocoholics and the chocolate curious. Every year on 7th July, chocolate lovers around the world come together to celebrate World Chocolate Day. While most of us see chocolate as a sweet indulgence, its story goes far deeper than modern confectionery. For centuries, chocolate has held a place in healing rituals, medicinal recipes, and wellness practices.

From the jungles of Mesoamerica to the labs of modern pharmacies, chocolate’s transformation has been significant. It is not just a comfort food but a botanical that is packed with potential. With modern research exploring the benefits of compounds like serotonin and theobromine, the role of chocolate in health and mental wellness continues to intrigue scientists and healthcare professionals alike.

In this post, we will unwrap some of the history of chocolate, discover its roots in ancient medicine, explore its effect on the brain, and examine what today’s pharmacists think of cocoa’s therapeutic potential.

 

A Brief History of Chocolate in Medicine

The story of chocolate began more than 3,000 years ago with the Olmecs, one of the earliest Mesoamerican civilisations. They were likely the first people to cultivate and consume cacao. Later, the Mayans and Aztecs continued this tradition, holding cacao in high regard not only as a sacred drink but also as a medicinal remedy.

Cacao was often prepared as a bitter, spiced drink known as "xocolatl". Unlike the sugary bars we enjoy today, this traditional chocolate was believed to have healing powers. It was prescribed to treat fever, fatigue, stomach issues, and even as an aphrodisiac. Aztec warriors drank cacao before battle to boost stamina and strength.

By the time chocolate made its way to Europe in the 16th century, it was quickly adopted into apothecaries. European physicians used it to treat conditions such as anaemia, tuberculosis, and digestive disorders. Some even believed chocolate could prolong life.

As the centuries passed, the popularity of chocolate grew, and sweetened chocolate became more fashionable.

 

Chocolate in Traditional Healing

Throughout history, chocolate and its raw ingredient cacao have been used in various traditional systems of medicine. In both Mesoamerican and early European practices, it was often paired with herbs or spices to create elixirs.

In Central America, healers used cacao to treat bronchitis, fever, and heart palpitations. The natural stimulant effects of theobromine, a compound found in cocoa, were believed to help with respiratory function and circulation.

Interestingly, chocolate has also been used in more recent times in gentle formulations aimed at encouraging appetite or soothing the gut. For instance, certain chocolate-flavoured treatments are still used today in modern pharmacy settings, reflecting its palatability and comfort factor for patients of all ages.

The connection between chocolate and healing may not be as mainstream as it once was, but it has certainly not disappeared. Many people still associate chocolate with comfort, warmth, and a sense of nurturing. These are all sentiments that overlap closely with the goals of holistic care.

 

Chocolate and Mental Health

Of all the ways chocolate supports wellbeing, perhaps the most widely appreciated today is its impact on mental wellness. Whether it is a bad day, a moment of stress, or a quiet celebration, chocolate often plays a role in how we cope emotionally.

There is science behind the smiles. Cocoa contains a range of mood-supporting compounds, including serotonin, dopamine precursors, and tryptophan. These chemicals influence how we feel, helping to lift mood and reduce anxiety in some individuals.

Theobromine, a mild stimulant found in cocoa, works alongside caffeine to boost energy and focus without the jittery feeling that may be experienced when using stronger stimulants. Unlike caffeine, theobromine has a longer-lasting and smoother effect, which may explain why chocolate feels comforting rather than intense.

Dark chocolate, in particular, is rich in flavonoids, a group of antioxidants that support brain health and may help improve blood flow to the brain. Some studies have linked regular cocoa consumption with improved cognitive function, reduced stress hormones, and better emotional regulation.

 

Not All Chocolate Offers Health and Wellness Benefits

With most things, when including chocolate in your diet, moderation is key. While a small piece of dark chocolate can offer a quick emotional lift, eating too much sugar-laden chocolate or using over-processed, sugary chocolate snacks may have the opposite effect. 

Choosing high-quality cocoa with a higher percentage of cacao is often best for mental health benefits. You may think that dark chocolate is very bitter if you are used to very sweet milk chocolates. Try different strengths and brands. They all taste different and once you’ve found the right dark chocolate for you, you’ll never look back.

For those needing a nutritional boost alongside a familiar flavour, chocolate-based nutritional drinks offer a comforting option. These shakes combine the benefits of cocoa with essential vitamins and minerals, making them ideal for people recovering from illness or managing dietary challenges.

 

What Pharmacists Say About Cocoa Compounds

Modern pharmacists often look at chocolate and its active compounds through a scientific lens. While they are unlikely to prescribe a chocolate bar as a treatment, there is increasing interest in cocoa-derived ingredients and their effects on physical and emotional health.

Theobromine, for example, relaxes the smooth muscles in the airways, which may explain why it was historically used for respiratory issues. Some studies suggest theobromine might be beneficial for people with asthma or persistent coughs, although more research is needed before it becomes a recommended treatment.

What about serotonin? While chocolate does not contain serotonin directly, it contains compounds that can help raise serotonin levels in the brain. This is why chocolate is sometimes linked to temporary mood elevation. However, its effect is mild and should not be considered a substitute for medical treatment in depression or anxiety.

Pharmacists today also recognise the importance of self-care rituals. A modest, mindful indulgence like a small square of dark chocolate can be a legitimate part of a wellness routine, especially when paired with other healthy habits.

Interestingly, cocoa is still a common ingredient in skincare and therapeutic creams. For example, cocoa butter lotions are widely used for their nourishing and soothing properties. While not taken internally, they reflect how cocoa can also comfort through touch and scent.

We asked our Simply Meds Online pharmacist for an opinion on chocolate and wellbeing. Their response was that they agreed with the research but would have to do some extra “testing” to be sure. Clearly, both science and history tell us that chocolate has health and wellness benefits makes many people happy.

 

Celebrating World Chocolate Day

World Chocolate Day is the perfect time to reflect on chocolate’s incredible journey from sacred ritual to global favourite. It reminds us that this beloved treat has a rich history beyond indulgence. Its roots in ancient medicine, its role in emotional comfort, and its fascinating chemical makeup all point to a food that offers much more than flavour.

Whether you enjoy chocolate in the form of a nutrient-rich shake, a dark bar at tea time, or a soothing body lotion, take a moment this World Chocolate Day to appreciate its complexity. It is not just a treat, it is a symbol of healing, culture, and emotional nourishment.

From chocolate history to its place in mental wellness, chocolate continues to surprise us. As science catches up with tradition, we may yet discover even more reasons to keep this ancient medicine in our modern lives.

Explore more wellness products at Simply Meds Online and embrace a little self-care this World Chocolate Day, one square at a time.