Mental Balance chocolate

In the office there is a candy box, supplied by Glico. It has a frog on top, and every time you take something from the box you put 100 yen in his mouth, then a woman comes to collect the money and replenish the contents a couple of times a week.

The snacks inside change all the time, but my current favourite is this "Mental Balance" chocolate, which claims to provide support in times of stress. I can't read enough Japanese to work out just how this is meant to happen, but since work is quite stressful most of the time it's nice to be able to justify eating lots of chocolate!

Update: Mari has explained more about the Office Glico boxes here.

Comments

[molly]

I totally had that in my basket at the supermarket the other day but put it back at the last minute thinking that it might be coffee beans or something caffeinated like that. So it's good? Guess I'll have to try it out! I could use some mental balance at work, too.

[Helen]

Sounds like the perfect excuse for scoffing lots of chocolate!! Helen

[sushi]

oh no - that box seems far far too dangerous!
ps. great article in the weekender - thanks for the support!

[gigi]

GABA is actually sold as a nutritional supplement. Among it's many benefits, it aids the neurotranmitters. I found a good description and pasted it below. I've taken the supplement (known as "nature's valium") and it actually does work.

This is from http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,10027,00.html :

"Popularly referred to as the body's natural tranquilizer, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid produced in the brain. It acts as a neurotransmitter--a chemical that fosters communication between nerve cells--and helps to keep stress-related nerve impulses at bay.

Normally, the brain pumps out all the GABA we need. Unfortunately, due to a poor diet, exposure to environmental toxins, or other factors, levels of GABA may become depleted. Too little of this important compound may result in anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. A deficiency of GABA has also been linked to depression."

[abbyjane]

Mental balance chocolate. That's a good idea, indeed! Makes me feel better before eating a Hershey's kisses.