Many of us already know that chocolate has some kind of effect on our moods. Some of us even crave it from time to time. But, did you ever consider that chocolate might make your anxiety worse?
An article at the Third Age site led me to look into the effects of chocolate on mood. The article reported that two ingredients in chocolate, phenylethylamine and theobromine, could cause mood swings. The article quotes Dr. Eric Braverman of New York's PATH Medical:
- Phenylethylamine can cause emotional highs, but unfortunately, emotional lows, too . . . . Theobromine, a form of caffeine, works as a natural antidepressant. But that doesn't mean it effectively counters the effect of phenylethylamine.
After reading the article, I decided to explore these two chemicals as well as other ingredients in chocolate . . .
Phenylethylamine
Phenylethylamine is a chemical in the body that is similar to an amphetamine. Researchers believe that our body releases phenylethylamine when we are in love, thus producing the uplifted mood associated with love. At one time, it was rumored that chocolate produces the same feelings because of the phenylethylamine it contains. Unfortunately, tests now show that the phenylethylamine in chocolate is broken down before it can affect the brain in this way.
Phenylethylamine is also said to cause migraines and other headaches, but not for everyone. It is believed that phenylethylamine causes blood vessels to dilate in the brain, thereby causing headaches.
The amphetamine-like nature of phenylethylamine is responsible for mood swings. As with amphetamines, phenylethylamine may cause an initial lift in the mood, followed by a crash in mood a short while later. Again, whether or not the phenylethylamine in chocolate ever reaches the brain is not yet determined.
Theobromine
Theobromine is an alkaloid with about one-tenth the stimulating effect of caffeine. However, cocoa contains about seven times as much theobromine as there is caffeine. Although theobromine is a weaker stimulant than caffeine, it can increase the pulse rate. Withdrawal from theobromine may cause migraines.
On a side note, theobromine has been found to be toxic to dogs and other animals. One ounce of unsweetened chocolate can make a 10-pound dog ill.
Anandamide
A couple of years ago a study found that anandamide, found in chocolate, might act in the brain similarly to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), found in marijuana. A researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health stated, however, that a 130-pound person would have to eat 25 pounds of chocolate to feel effects similar to marijuana. Interestingly, though, the first study also found that chocolate also contains n-acylethanolamines which may preserve the brain's natural anandamine, thereby extending any uplifting effects from the chocolate's anandamide.
Caffeine
A one-ounce portion of semi-sweet chocolate contains 20 mg of caffeine. The average eight-ounce cup of regular coffee contains 135 mg of caffeine. Researchers have found that caffeine can cause anxiety, sleep problems and heartburn. It can also cause difficulty concentrating and restlessness. Withdrawal from caffeine can lead to headaches and fatigue. The caffeine in chocolate may seem like a small amount, but those small amounts can add up. For more info on caffeine, check out The Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Tyramine
Tyramine is another amino acid which causes blood vessels to expand and contract, resulting in dull headaches. The amount of tyramine in chocolate may or may not be enough to result in headaches.
Sugar
Most chocolate contains some amount of sugar. The effects of sugar on mood is controversial. Some researchers say that sugar will raise serotonin levels. For some people, the problem with consuming sugar is that it can cause an initial increase of insulin (resulting in a lift in mood, the "sugar high") followed by a rapid decrease a short while later. The rapid decrease in insulin results in the production of excess adrenalin and cortisol, two body chemicals that may cause anxiety.
To Indulge or Not to Indulge . . .
With all this contradictory information about the chemicals in chocolate, you probably have no idea whether or not to eat it. As with most substances, you have to figure out how it affects you and you alone. You might find that you can eat a small amount of chocolate with no effects, but larger amounts cause noticeable changes in mood. It's really a matter of experimentation. The ingredients in chocolate may cause headaches, heartburn, restlessness, insomnia, mood changes, higher pulse rate, and anxiety. Only you can decide what's best for you.
