Chocolate has a higher concentrate of phenethylamine when compared to other foods. The structure of phenethylamine and the effect it has on the nervous sytem is similar to amphetamine.It acts by raising blood pressure and glucose levels which would increase attention, alertness and feelings of contentment. This is why phenethylamine has been called the �love-drug�. It quickens your pulse as if you are experiencing feelings of love. Some reports have stated that phenethylamine is similar, in structure, to an antidepressant that abolishes chocolate cravings. This provides further evidence in support of phenethylamines contributions to chocolates effects.
Other main components of chocolate are methylxanthines, such as caffeine and theobromine. Caffeine is present in much lower concentrations than theobromine. Though theobromine has relatively weak stimulant effects, scientists think it is possible that when it is combined with the other chemicals, found in chocolate, its effect is heightened.
Chocolate contains a chemical called anandamine that effects the brain the same way THC, the agent present in marijuana that is responsible for the pleasurable high, does. Anandamine (derived from the word ananda Sanskrit for bliss) is naturally produced in the brain but enzymes break it down immediately so it does not have the strong effect that THC does. But researchers believe that along with the anandamine contained in chocolate there are two chemicals that slow down the reaction between the enzyme and the anandamine. These chemicals are called, N-oleoylethanolamine and N-linoleoylethanolamine.
The last two chemicals found in chocolate are Cannabinoids and opioids. Cannabinoids are chemicals that cause dopamine to be produced in the brain having the same effect that the THC in marijuana does. Opioids are chemicals found in opium that create a feeling of happiness and contentment (euphoria). When you eat chocolate the brain produces natural opiates which dull pain and increase a feeling of comfort.
These are the main chemicals found in chocolate that are associated with the feeling of pleasure that comes with eating the rich sweet. Looking at the effects that scientists have said these chemicals have on the brain it is easy to understand the chocolates effect on us.
