Theobromine is an alkaloid with a structure that is similar to that of caffeine, and it is a member of the methylxanthines family of naturally occurring stimulants. Although theobromine's stimulant qualities are far less potent than those of caffeine, both drugs have diuretic characteristics that are comparable to one another. According to Hershey's, one of the world's leading makers of chocolate, the cocoa bean is nature's most concentrated source of theobromine since it has the highest concentration of the compound. Despite the fact that cocoa-based goods are the greatest dietary sources of theobromine, the alkaloid may be found in a small number of other naturally occurring plant compounds.
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- Theobromine has a number of advantages
- Foods that include cocoa as an ingredient
- Tea Drinks Prepared in Minutes
- Various other foods
- 1. Can Positively Affect Cardiovascular Function
- 2. Considered By Some to Be An Aphrodisiac
- 3. May Have Mood-Boosting Effects
- 4. Considered a Nootropic and Might Enhance Focus
- 5. Has Natural Diuretic Effects
Theobromine has a number of advantages
According to the "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine," consuming foods high in theobromine provides a variety of advantages in addition to the alkaloid's mild stimulant and moderate diuretic characteristics. Theobromine is a stimulant that helps to invigorate your nervous system while also having a relaxing impact on your brain. With its capacity to relax smooth muscles, the alkaloid has beneficial effects on the bronchial tubes, allowing for more comfortable breathing. In addition to relaxing the walls of your blood vessels, which helps to slightly lower blood pressure, it also relaxes the muscles in your digestive tract, which helps to reduce the likelihood of developing gastrointestinal problems.
Foods that include cocoa as an ingredient
Foods derived from cocoa beans are by far and away from the most abundant source of theobromine in nature. According to the Merschat Nutrition website, 100 g of unsweetened, alkali-processed dried cocoa powder contains 2,634 mg of theobromine. This is a significant amount of theobromine. Among the other foods in this category, which have a theobromine content of 2,445 mg per 100 g, are high-fat or breakfast cocoa powder that has been processed with alkali; unsweetened dry cocoa powder that has been processed with alkali; baking chocolate liquid that has not been sweetened with aspartame; and chocolate dairy drink mix that has been sweetened with aspartame. Other theobromine-rich cocoa-based foodstuffs include dark chocolate candies with 70 percent to 85 percent cacao solids (802 mg), cocoa mix powder with no added sugar (658 mg), dark chocolate candies with 60 percent to 69 percent cacao solids (632 mg), chocolate flavor pudding mix with no added sugar (596 mg), and dark chocolate candies with 45 percent to 59 percent cacao solids (493 mg).
Tea Drinks Prepared in Minutes
Although theobromine levels in instant tea mixes are significantly lower than those found in cocoa-based products, the alkaloid is present in small amounts in the plant Camellia sinensis, from which black and green teas are derived. Although theobromine levels in instant tea mixes are significantly lower than those found in cocoa-based products, theobromine is present in small amounts in instant tea mixes. Unsweetened instant tea mix with lemon flavor contains 40 mg of theobromine; saccharine-sweetened instant tea mix with lemon flavor contains 24 mg of theobromine; unsweetened instant tea mix with decaffeinated caffeine contains 11 mg; and saccharine-sweetened instant tea mix with decaffeinated caffeine contains 4 mg of theobromine, according to the Merschat Nutrition website.
Various other foods
According to nutritionist David Wolfe, author of "Naked Chocolate: The Astonishing Truth About the World's Greatest Food," theobromine may also be found in yerba mate and kola nuts, among other foods and beverages. A famous tealike beverage made from the dried plant parts of Ilex paraguariensis, yerba mate, while the kola nut is the key flavoring ingredient in cola beverages, is made from the nut of the same name. Theobromine is found in guarana, a stimulant derived from the seeds of a climbing plant native to Brazil that is used as tea.
Chocolate Products Highest in Theobromine
1. Can Positively Affect Cardiovascular Function
Theobromine's advantages include functioning as a cardiac stimulant and a vasodilator, depending on the individual and his or her degree of sensitivity to the effects of the compound. In other words, it may aid in the regulation of blood pressure as well as the promotion of good circulation by expanding the capillaries.
Aside from that, it may also aid in the maintenance of good lung function by boosting airflow to the lungs and decreasing asthma symptoms, as well as having some modest anti-inflammatory properties.
The potential of this compound to decrease inflammation may be owing to its involvement in suppressing phosphodiesterase enzymes and enhancing the activity of certain enzymes, such as PKA, according to some research.
2. Considered By Some to Be An Aphrodisiac
Theobromine and phenylethylamine, two compounds contained in chocolate, have earned it a reputation as a natural aphrodisiac meal due to their effects on the central nervous system. However, since the conclusions of the studies have been inconsistent, this is still up for discussion.
Whether or if theobromine in chocolate has aphrodisiac effects has yet to be determined, although it is probable that it does so because of its potential to increase your mood, energy levels, and blood flow.
3. May Have Mood-Boosting Effects
Consumption of theobromine from chocolate, according to some research, may produce euphoric sensations and have minor antidepressant benefits. The calming effects of chocolate, on the other hand, seem to be related to the specific combination of molecules it contains, particularly phenylethylamine.
4. Considered a Nootropic and Might Enhance Focus
Several studies have discovered that theobromine increases attention and concentration by a mechanism similar to that of caffeine: blocking adenosine receptors and inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase. Simply stated, it aids in the reduction of the effects of chemicals in the brain that cause you to feel drowsy and unable to concentrate.
One of the reasons it's becoming increasingly popular as a supplement among athletes is because of its moderate stimulant properties.
Anecdotal data suggests that it may boost mental performance, motivation, and capacity to concentrate, as well as lessen weariness. However, additional study into this area is needed. The results of one research did show that taking cocoa supplements improved participants' performance on mental tasks and made them feel less weary, but it's not obvious if other components in cocoa (such as bioflavonoid antioxidants) should be given credit for the results.
5. Has Natural Diuretic Effects
As a natural diuretic, this substance has the potential to increase the quantity of urine produced by the kidneys, which means it may be beneficial in the treatment of edema as well as the reduction of water retention (fluid buildup).
Is it true that theobromine helps you lose weight? Despite the fact that it has not been established in trustworthy research, it is plausible given its ability to raise energy levels while decreasing bloating and inflammation — meaning it may help regulate your appetite, promote metabolic health, and lower cravings as a result of being tired.
