Posted by Klavot on December 31, 2006, at 11:35:01
Hi all
It is my anecdotal experience that *dark* chocolate - i.e. the bitter stuff with no milk, little sugar and lots of cocoa - has a beneficial effect on my mood. Psychoactive ingredients include (courtesy Wikipedia):-
"Theobromine - This is the primary alkaloid found in cocoa and chocolate, and is one of the causes for chocolate's mood-elevating effects. This mild stimulant belongs to the methylxanthine family, which also includes the similar compound caffeine, with which Theobromine is frequently confused.
Anandamide - An endogenous cannabinoid.Tryptophan - An essential amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, an important neurotransmitter involved in regulating moods.
Phenylethylamine - An endogenous amphetamine. Often described as a 'love chemical'. However, it is quickly metabolized by the enzyme MAO-B, preventing significant concentrations from reaching the brain.
Caffeine - This stimulant is present mainly in coffee and tea. Exists in chocolate in very small amounts."
(see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate )
Well, just something to try if maybe other things don't work.
Klavot
poster:Klavot
thread:717812
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20061218/msgs/717812.html