In the last few days, I've indulged a bit too much on chocolate, and I have noticed strong behavioural changes in myself. I suddenly became obsssed by reading or learning (Japanese) hours on end (I mean, more than usual), and more worrying, I got strange emotional reaction, such as being overexcited (like a child), having headaches, nighymares or sudden access of really bad mood where I wanted to kick walls for no reasons or got irritated by the slightest thing. These are all extremely unusual for me (except when I was a child and ate a lot of chocolate !). I am normally more composed and self-contolled than most people around me (yes, Japanese people !).
This is not the first time I have doubts about the effects of chocolate on the mood, but I had never taken the time to research it before. I've found some very interesting explantions on mood change due to chocolate on About.com. Basically, chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA, a kind of amphetamine) and theobromine (i.e. caffeine) that act powerfully on the mind. Check also
this page.
For more scientific explanations on chocolate check
http://www.chocolate.org/index.html
For those still doubting that chocolate is a real drug :
It is related to cannabis
to opium
and to amphetamines
Anyway, that may be the answer to my mood changes. My brain is probably too sensitive to stimulants in chocolate :
The article has convincing links between headaches and chocolate consumption. 3 substances are guilty : phenylethylamine, theobromine and tyramine :
As I never drink coffee, that might explain my hypersensitivity. An aspirin, however, stops the migraine within 15min ! (if I work too hard or lack of sleep, aspirin has no effect at all on me).
I found their conclusion very true :
By the way, did you know that chocolate is very toxic for dogs and can kill them. Numbers od people have killed their pets by not knowing that and giving them chocolate. Just make a search entering "chocolate toxic dog" to see the number of articles about it. For example :
http://vetmedicine.about.com/library/weekly/aa020900a.htm
http://www.dogbreederonline.com/chocolate.htm
http://www.irishterriers.com/welcome.htm?chocolate.htm
And you, are you chocaholic ? Does it affect your mood or gives you headaches ? Ever thought about it before ?
This is not the first time I have doubts about the effects of chocolate on the mood, but I had never taken the time to research it before. I've found some very interesting explantions on mood change due to chocolate on About.com. Basically, chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA, a kind of amphetamine) and theobromine (i.e. caffeine) that act powerfully on the mind. Check also
this page.
For more scientific explanations on chocolate check
http://www.chocolate.org/index.html
For those still doubting that chocolate is a real drug :
It is related to cannabis
Chocolate contains small quantities of anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid found in the brain.
to opium
Like other palatable sweet foods, consumption of chocolate causes the release of endorphins, the body's endogenous opiates. Enhanced endorphin-release reduces the chocolate-eater's sensitivity to pain. Endorphins probably contribute to the warm inner glow induced in susceptible chocaholics.
and to amphetamines
Phenylethylamine is a chemical in the body that is similar to an amphetamine.
Anyway, that may be the answer to my mood changes. My brain is probably too sensitive to stimulants in chocolate :
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.
The article has convincing links between headaches and chocolate consumption. 3 substances are guilty : phenylethylamine, theobromine and tyramine :
It is believed that phenylethylamine causes blood vessels to dilate in the brain, thereby causing headaches.
Although theobromine is a weaker stimulant than caffeine, it can increase the pulse rate. Withdrawal from theobromine may cause migraines.
Tyramine is another amino acid which causes blood vessels to expand and contract, resulting in dull headaches.
As I never drink coffee, that might explain my hypersensitivity. An aspirin, however, stops the migraine within 15min ! (if I work too hard or lack of sleep, aspirin has no effect at all on me).
I found their conclusion very true :
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. However, when I look at the above information, I see that the ingredients in chocolate can possibly cause headaches, heartburn, restlessness, insomnia, mood changes, higher pulse rate, and anxiety. On a personal level, I've found this to be true. And I've found that eliminating chocolate has helped me. Only you can decide what's best for you.
By the way, did you know that chocolate is very toxic for dogs and can kill them. Numbers od people have killed their pets by not knowing that and giving them chocolate. Just make a search entering "chocolate toxic dog" to see the number of articles about it. For example :
http://vetmedicine.about.com/library/weekly/aa020900a.htm
http://www.dogbreederonline.com/chocolate.htm
http://www.irishterriers.com/welcome.htm?chocolate.htm
And you, are you chocaholic ? Does it affect your mood or gives you headaches ? Ever thought about it before ?