Chocolate And Its Effect On The Brain - 1243 Words

Chocolate. Ah, just the word makes one’s mouth water. Sweet, velvety, creamy, delicious. Most of us really only care about the taste, but do we actually know what chocolate is made of? Yes, yes, milk, cocoa, cream, and sugar are all correct answers, but, do most of us know what chocolate is made of on a molecular level? I think not. Do we know why we feel happy after eating it, chocolate tastes the way it does, why some types are creamier and smoother than others, etc. The answer all boils down to chemistry; a simple answer, yet complicated for many reasons. Chocolate contains many chemicals which affect the brain. The three primary chemicals are caffeine, theobromine, and tryptophan. 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine or caffeine (C8H10N4O2) is a stimulant that is near and dear to us all. It is the chemical that gives us a boost after consuming our morning coffee or drinking a soda. It excites our central nervous system which increases heart rate and contracts muscles. Caffeine affects dopamine and adenosine receptors in the brain which release pleasure producing chemicals. Theobromine (C7H8N4O2) is a bitter alkaloid derived from the cacao plant, which is the main component of chocolate. Theobromine and a similar effect to caffeine on the body, but it is not as strong; theobromine is essentially a mood-lifter (NBC LEARN). Tryptophan is an essential amino acid for humans, and since the body cannot manufacture it, it must be ingested. It plays an important role in the synthesis ofShow MoreRelatedEssay Is Chocolate Physiologically or Psychologically Addictive?1263 Words   |  6 PagesIs Chocolate Physiologically or Psychologically Addictive? Chocolate is made from the seeds of the tropical tree, Theobroma cacao. Theobroma is the Greek term for food of the gods. In Aztec society chocolate was a food of the gods, reserved for priests, warriors and nobility. The Aztecs used cacao beans to make a hot, frothy and bitter beverage called chocolatl. Chocolatl was a sacred concoction that was associated with fertility and wisdom. It was also thought to have stimulating and restorativeRead MoreCaffeine Essay867 Words   |  4 Pages  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Did you know that chocolate can help you memorize better? Chocolate can improve your memory because of a drug called caffeine. Caffeine is contained in many different kinds of foods and drinks like coffee, chocolate and tea. It is a legal drug that consumed worldwide. Its function is to stimulate the central nervous system associated with brain function that affects mental performance especially alertness, attention and concentration. Theobromine is an active ingredient of c hocolate that is found inRead MoreChocolate, The Food Of The Gods1581 Words   |  7 Pages Chocolate, It’s been described as one of life’s â€Å"sinful little pleasures.† It s been proven that there are foods that people are passionate about, a passion that’s more than just love for food. For the true chocoholics like myself, just thinking about chocolate can evoke a pleasurable response. But could something that tastes so delicious actually be good and healthy for you? Over the years we have all heard many negative claims about chocolate, especially if you eat a lot like I do. ButRead MoreChocolate as an Anti-depressant1250 Words   |  5 Pagesought to believe that chocolate is healthy than unhealthy to one. Chocolate is a confection made from cacao beans, the seeds of the cacao plant. There are a large number of products made from it on the market, from powdered cocoa for making drinks to white chocolate, and most markets carry a cross-section of confections for their customers. In reality chocolate is healthy for one. There has been research done that society can get a well benefit from eating chocolate. Chocolate stems the antioxidantRead MoreResearch Paper on Chocolate1721 Words   |  7 PagesTransitions 13 March 2013 Irresistible Chocolate with Beneï ¬ ts ! Smooth. Creamy. Simply heaven! These are the thoughts that ï ¬â€šood my mind when I think of this once forbidden treat known as chocolate. Holding a worldwide appeal, chocolate has been a temptation to many for years. So, knowing that something this desirable is beneï ¬ cial to one’s health would make a chocoholic’s day, right? Well, great news! There has been recent nutritional research studies that have proven chocolate to be beneï ¬ cial to one’s healthRead More Health Aspects Of Cocoa Essay1453 Words   |  6 Pagespositive effect on todays society because of its active role in daily health.I. History of CocoaA. Kakahutal Mayan and Aztec CultureB. Introduction to EuropeC. Cocoa PressII. Mental and Physical HealthA. MigrainesB. Cholesterol1. Stearic Acid2. Oleic Acid3. FlavonoidsC.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Premenstrual SyndromeD. Kidney StonesE. Chemical Craving Theories1. Theobromine2. Phenylithylamine3. EndorphinsChocolate, one Americas top industrys. We produce more chocolate and chocolate productsRead MoreThe Effects of Chocolate Essay example824 Words   |  4 PagesThe Effects of Chocolate Chocolate is one of the most popular foods all around the world. It has been said that over 2 billion pounds of chocolate is annually consumed in the United States and the Swiss consume over 22 pounds per person per year[1]. Despite its increasing consumption chocolate has had and still is having a lot of negative effects on the human health. Some people think that it’s addictive and eat more and more of it whilst there are some who think theRead MoreEssay on The Food of the Gods1133 Words   |  5 PagesThe Food of the Gods For over 2000 years, chocolate in its many forms has been enjoyed and its effects have been exalted. It was believed that the Mexican god Quetzalcoatl left the cocoa tree for the people. The Aztec emperor Montezuma is reported to have consumed 50 goblets of chocolate a day. It is called the food of the gods, literally, as a translation of Theobroma Cacao, the cacao bean. (1). Such a title must imply that chocolate has some naturally occurring superior quality. Why elseRead MoreThe Health Benefits Of Chocolate1266 Words   |  6 PagesBenefits of Chocolate Chocolate is a favorite treat that has a long history and sometimes is a guilty pleasure. There is, however, ongoing research that aims at establishing the possible health benefits that can be associated with chocolate. Although there is no familiar advice from a doctor that says â€Å"Eat two chocolates and call me in the morning,† studies have shown health benefits that can be attributed to the antioxidants in chocolate. The main antioxidants in chocolate are the compoundsRead MoreEssay on Informative Speech on Foods That Make Happy.1342 Words   |  6 Pages- and why. Organizational Pattern: Topical Intended Audience: COMM. 101 Class Introduction Have you heard about the 12-step chocolate program? Never be more than 12 steps away from chocolate! OR Flowers wilt, jewelry tarnishes, candles burn out – but in my house, chocolate doesn’t hang around long enough to get old. OR Forget love, I’d rather fall in chocolate. Orientation Phase: Point: Today I will give you information about foods that can actually make you happy – at least in the short-term