Cacao: a basket full of love ingredients

Although they might not have been fully aware of the scientific evidence related to the valuable traits of Theobroma, the Aztecs and Maya’s already attributed all kinds of health benefits and curative and stimulant effects to their precious cacao. Today, we know cacao is rich in antioxidants and flavonols, both of which are good for the heart (Valentine!) and are anti-inflammatory. And there are other positive health effects related to minerals in cacao.

But let’s put the health benefits of cacao aside for now. In the spirit of Valentine we focus on the ability of cacao and chocolate to enhance mind and mood, and set the stage for love.

Theobromine

This is the bitter alkaloid named after the cacao plant – Theobroma. It is a stimulant that improves focus, concentration, and visual processing of information. Several studies suggest theobromine causes feelings of calmness and wellbeing. In other words, theobromine makes you feel calm, alert and at ease at the same time. What is not to like about this?

Besides these mood-enhancing effects, theobromine also helps to reduce blood pressure, it has anti-inflammatory properties, and it raises HDL cholesterol levels (HDL being ‘good’ cholesterol).

For the chemists amongst our readers, the formula of theobromine is C7H8N4O.

Caffeine

Theobromine’s chemical cousin caffeine is widely known for its energizing effects: it stimulates the flow of blood in the brain, enhances alertness and decreases fatigue. Caffeine increases serotonin levels in our body, the happiness hormone that positively impacts memory, mood, self-esteem, sleep, emotions, orgasms and appetite.

However, like all things good, caffeine should be taken in moderate quantities. And you know what? Cacao contains caffeine in moderate quantities!

For the chemists amongst our readers, the formula of caffeine is C8H10N4O2.

Phenethylamine

This love compound is also known as PEA. A close relative of amphetamine. PEA is a mood regulator that triggers happiness hormones like endorphin, dopamine and noradrenalin. PEA is flooding your brain when you fall in love or have an orgasm. And we suspect – but no research confirms this yet – you will also get a good dose of PEA when you put the word phenethylamine on a Scrabble board.

For the chemists amongst our readers, the formula of phenethylamine is C8H11N.

Anandamide

Cannabinoids can be found in three places: in cannabis, in the human body, and in chocolate. In chocolate is known as the compound anandamide. In Sanskriet the word ananda means joy, bliss, delight. Anandamide influences pain perception and appetite, and gives a feeling of pleasure and reward, even euphoria, known as ‘runners’ high’.

For the chemists amongst our readers, the formula of anandamide is C22H37NO2.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is converted in the human body into serotonin, known as the happy hormone. It is also the precursor of melatonin, making you sleep better and better able to deal with stress. In other words, tryptophan makes you a nicer person. It is an essential amino acid for humans, meaning the body cannot produce it, it must be eaten. The good news is, tryptophan is found in chocolate. Admitted, it is only in small quantities, but that gives you a good excuse to take an extra piece.

For the chemists amongst our readers, the formula of tryptophan is C11H12N2O2.