Theobromine and caffeine or the similar effect of coffee and chocolate

In short: Theobromine, the main alkaloid in cocoa (C7H8N4O2), works like caffeine by blocking adenosine receptors, but more weakly and for longer: the body takes 7 to 10 hours to clear it and it relaxes rather than constricts blood vessels. A suggested intake is 100 to 300 mg a day, about 30 g of dark chocolate.

Chemical formula	C7H8N4O2 (3,7-dimethylxanthine)
Time for the body to clear theobromine	7 to 10 hours
Theobromine in cocoa powder	about 2 g per 100 g
Theobromine in dark chocolate	around 800 mg per 100 g
Suggested daily intake	100 to 300 mg, about 30 g of dark chocolate
Cacao pod	about 30 cm long, tree cultivated since the 5th century

Theobromine is the main alkaloid in cocoa, with the formula C7H8N4O2, and it works much like caffeine but more gently and for longer. Both block adenosine receptors, though theobromine does so more weakly: it does not cause jitters and its effect lasts longer because the body takes 7 to 10 hours to clear it. Cocoa powder holds about 2 g per 100 g and dark chocolate around 800 mg, alongside far less caffeine.

ABOUT THE ORIGIN OF KAKAA

Originally a South American evergreen tree called Theobroma cacao or The true cacao tree has been cultivated since the 5th century. The fruit of the cacao tree is about 30 cm long and under the thick surface layer are a number of seeds - cocoa beans - about the size of almonds.

The cocoa beans become cocoa mass after processing, which mainly involves fermentation, roasting and grinding. This is the basis for the world's favourite sweet, chocolate. Pressing separates the cocoa butter from the cocoa mass and then grinds the dry part of the mass into cocoa powder.

THEOBROMINE FROM COCOA BEANS

Cocoa beans are the largest natural source of a substance called theobromine. In addition to cocoa and chocolate, it is also found in tea, mate and, to a small extent, coffee. It is an alkaloid that causes the typical taste of cocoa. Theobromine not only has a positive effect on our appetites, but also affects the functioning of our body with a similar effect to that of caffeine when we drink coffee.

THEOBROMINE, CAFFEINE AND ADENOSINE RECEPTORS

Theobromine has similarities to caffeine in terms of its function as anadenosine antagonist. Caffeine has the ability to latch onto adenosine receptor sites in our body to stimulate them while preventing adenosine from binding to these receptors. Adenosine is a substance that is produced naturally in our body as a result of the use of internal energy for the body's needs.

The moment adenosine binds to the receptors, we begin to feel fatigue and drowsiness. Caffeine therefore binds itself to these receptors and prevents adenosine or fatigue. Theobromine is similar to caffeine in this way, so it too can be picked up by the adenosine receptors and thus also works against the feeling of fatigue. Unlike caffeine, however, it differs in the way it stimulates body functions.

HOW CAFFEINE AND THEOBROMINE DIFFER

Caffeine is a boost for a tired body. It constricts blood vessels and gets the blood flowing. Itraises blood pressure and gets the body ready to work. Consuming chocolate or cocoa may also delay fatigue, but our bodies are not contracted andstrained to work. On the contrary, it is relaxed as theobromine has the effect of relaxing the blood vessels and muscles. Although it is stimulating, due to the prevention of fatigue, it is also a calming substance.

THE COOPERATION OF COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE

For these reasons ,it is suggested to use theobromine with or instead of caffeine. Wherever we need the power of caffeine, but want to reduce its, for some, too strong influence on the activation of the organism, we can eat a piece of chocolate together with coffee. Coffee and chocolate will thus divide the tasks of the adenosine receptors. Fatigue is relieved and our body benefits not only from theenergising effect of coffee, but also from the calming effect of theobromine.

COCOA AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO COFFEE

In case we want to avoid drowsiness and at the same time wish to avoid caffeine completely, having a piece of chocolate seems to be the best idea. Such situations can arise, for example, in the evening when we still need energy to complete our work rest, but we are also aware that consuming caffeine late would disturb our sleep.

DIFFERENCES IN CAFFEINE METABOLISM

Using chocolate against fatigue is a great and really tasty alternative to coffee for those of us who have trouble processing caffeine. The way our bodies are able to cope with caffeine varies from person to person. Some people have no problem drinking 5 cups of coffee during the day, while for others, their first coffee of the morning is also their last.

If you are one of the slow caffeine metabolizers, i.e. those who cannot handle higher or more frequent amounts of coffee and therefore caffeine in the body, chocolate or cocoa can be a really nice alternative to coffee. Besides preventing fatigue, theobromine has other positive effects on our body.

THEOBROMINE FOR A HEALTHY MIND AND BODY

With its calming and relaxing effect on the body, it helps to balance stressful situations and thus protects us from their adverse effects on our psyche. It is therefore a guardian of the "good mood". It also helps with reduced sensitivity to insulin, which is an important substance for the processing of nutrients and the proper functioning of our body.

In their study on theobromine ,the Spanish researchers focused on the importance of its effects on the human body. Their findings suggest that theobromine could be taken as an anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and cardiovascular protective substance without negative side effects.

The results of the study point not only to the positive effect caused by entrapment in adenosine receptors, but to its other actions in the body, such as regulation of cellular expression and the ability to reduce oxidative stress.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT OF THEOBROMINE

Chocolate as a natural antioxidant helps fightfree radicals in the body, any increased amount of which results in the aforementioned oxidative stress that leads to other serious diseases. Theobromine helps the body deal with inflammation and in wound healing. Another interesting finding was the effect of theobromine on reducing acute symptoms in asthma.

Thestudy also shows that consuming cocoa helps to protect the surface of tooth enamel. Although in this respect, we need to consider the form of theobromine we ingest. In addition to the high concentration of theobromine, chocolate contains a number of sugars which in turn promote inflammation and tooth decay. It would therefore be preferable to consume chocolate or cocoa without sugar in this respect.

CHOCOLATE AGAINST CANCER

Theobromine, together with caffeine, is one of the substances that can affect cell metabolism or the structure of DNA. Their ability to bind to DNA could affect their expression with long-term use of caffeine or theobromine.

According to the study, this could mean that the inclusion of theobromine, or cocoa for example, in our regular diet could lead to changes in certain DNA properties and thus modify the negative consequences of damaged DNA, such as neurodegenerative diseases like breast cancer.

THE IDEAL DOSE OF CHOCOLATE

Of course, cocoa or chocolate must also be consumed in a balanced and ideal proportion to our body's health, so that theobromine works properly and positively for our body. Its excessive consumption would outweigh its positive benefits to the negative effects on our health. The recommended dose is 100-300 mg of theobromine per day, which is equivalent to about 30 g of dark chocolate.

Frequently asked questions

What are the effects of theobromine?

A gradual, steady lift rather than a spike. It mildly stimulates the heart, widens the airways and lifts mood, without the restlessness caffeine can bring. The onset is slower and the effect holds for several hours.

What is the chemical name for C7H8N4O2?

Theobromine, chemically 3,7-dimethylxanthine, from the same methylxanthine family as caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine). The two differ by a single methyl group, which explains their similar but unequal strength.

What are the benefits of theobromine?

Longer-lasting alertness without a crash, mild vasodilation and a bronchodilating action that has been studied for cough. In cocoa it comes together with flavanols linked to vascular health.

Is theobromine a good caffeine alternative?

For people sensitive to caffeine, often yes. A cup of cocoa gives a gentler lift and far less caffeine, though the effect is milder, so do not expect it to replace a strong espresso.

Why is theobromine dangerous for dogs?

Dogs metabolise it several times more slowly than humans, so it accumulates. Dark chocolate can poison a dog from a few grams per kilo of body weight. If a dog eats chocolate, call a vet.

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