Theobromine benefits are numerous, but do you know what it is? This substance is basically a natural stimulant present in some foods, such as the cocoa fruit and the products in which it is present, as chocolate. Therefore, it gives energy to the body and can be used in favor of both physical and mental health.
First of all, it is similar to theophylline and caffeine, as all 3 are in the same family and act as stimulants in the body. Therefore, its main function in the body is to give energy. That is, it helps to eliminate sleepiness, for example, and increases the brain’s ability to concentrate and focus.
Like caffeine, this stimulant promotes a better ability to focus on day-to-day activities. Not only that, it helps to stay focused. Therefore, it can also, in excess, cause insomnia. Therefore, it is important to consume it regularly and without exaggeration.
And it’s a vasodilator, as it widens the blood vessels. Which may help prevent clots from forming. It is also diuretic, meaning it stimulates urine production.
This stimulant can benefit heart health as it helps prevent clotting-related diseases such as thrombosis. In addition to helping to control cholesterol and regulate blood pressure.
Moreover, it can have a positive effect on mental health as it helps in mood regulation. It may help in case of stress, as it promotes a feeling of calm almost instantly.
Dark chocolate is the best source of this substance, as it is the closest version of cocoa. It usually contains 5.5 milligrams of it, while the milk version typically contains only 2.4 milligrams.
Also, dark chocolate is a better source of antioxidants. Therefore, it is considered the healthiest version of the treat.
This stimulant can also be consumed in supplement form, in addition to being found in other foods, such as cocoa nibs and chocolate derivates.
Benefits of theobromine
Widely found in cocoa and, because of that, it is in large quantities in chocolate, you will discover the benefits of this substance, what its effects are on the body, what it is used for and also many other foods that contains it.
White chocolate has this element in its composition, but in smaller amounts, only two to five grams per kilogram. However, this chocolate can have counterparts.
It is these kinds of foods that make healing difficult or even help with inflammation. It is recommended that after any type of surgery, small or large, this type of food is avoided. So, find out if the chocolate has such ingredients before consuming it.
There are studies that indicate that the substance may act on the so-called “vague nerve”, the tenth pair of cranial nerves, which runs from the lungs to the brain.
Despite having properties similar to coffee, this substance, unlike the first, does not affect the central nervous system.
One of the effects related to the presence of this substance in chocolate is the invigorating sensation it brings. It also has a diuretic effect, which is helpful in reducing water levels in the body, losing weight, and decreasing swelling. The substance still has the stimulating and relaxing effects.
Recently, a study came to the conclusion that the beneficial impacts of cocoa in relation to good cholesterol (HDL) are linked to the amount of this substance present in the fruit and not to flavonoids.
Besides cocoa and chocolate, there are other foods rich in the substance. Some examples of these are kola nut and tea, where there can be 400 milligrams in every 200 calories. Guarana also has this substance in its composition, around 200 to 400 milligrams.
Even in dishes known to be not as healthy as pudding, it is possible to find some amounts of the substance. In chocolate pudding there are 266 to 327 milligrams of it in every 200 calories.
In a chocolate sauce prepared with a low-calorie mixture, the amount of chocolate is 273 milligrams in 200 calories.
A homemade chocolate drink with heated cocoa has 177 milligrams in that calorie serving. Chocolate frozen yogurts contain 167 milligrams in a 200-calorie serving. On the other hand, a chocolate cake can reach a little less: 166 milligrams.
A drink made with instant breakfast powder and chocolate has 162 milligrams of the substance in 200 calories. It is the same amount that a mixture made from cocoa powder can present. A mixture of cocoa powder prepared with water has a little less: 160 milligrams.
Chocolate syrup made from whole milk has 142 milligrams in 200 calories. The syrup of the same flavor that is creamier has a little less: 141 milligrams.
Sweets made from dark chocolate covered with coffee beans offer 136 milligrams of the substance in a 200-calorie serving. The same amount as a traditional chocolate syrup.
It is notable that some foods known as fattening and made from chocolate appear on the list. However, before eating them, it is necessary to know the other elements that this food cointains and make sure that they are not harmful to health.
When it was discovered at the end of the 19th century, it was used in medicine in treatments against edema, which corresponds to the excessive accumulation of fluid in parts of the body and angina attacks, which happens when there is a partial interruption of blood supply to the heart, syphilitic and degenerative types.
Currently, medicine uses the substance as a vasodilator, that is, a blood vessel expander, heart stimulant and as an aid for the elimination of urine. The substance is also used in cancer prevention.
In humans, the substance may not cause toxic effects, but it is dangerous for the substance to be ingested by animals. It is toxic to pets such as dogs and can also be harmful to horses.
This is because animals can metabolize more slowly, which poses a risk of poisoning, followed by epileptic seizures and even death. Other possible complications are digestive problems, dehydration, excitability and a slow heart rate.
Theobromine benefits teeth
Chocolate is good for your teeth, and maybe that’s a novelty. If you are a dark chocolate lover, this is great news for you.
Many people believe that dark chocolate is bad for health and teeth. However, the reality is quite different. In fact, it has many virtues.
Firstly, dark chocolate contains a lot of cocoa, a food which then contains tannins, fluorine and phosphates. Tannins therefore inhibit the development of oral bacteria.
Therefore, fluorine strengthens the enamel’s strength. Finally, phosphates buffer acids formed by the metabolism of fermentable carbohydrates. These three elements then allow dark chocolate to have an antibacterial effect and prevent tooth decay.
This substance helps to harden the enamel surface of the teeth. This can therefore help to combat the appearance of stains on our teeth and limit their discoloration.
Dark chocolate can therefore rightly count among the good and loyal allies of our teeth. Accompanied, of course, by daily tooth brushing!
Theobromine and magnesium, substances present in large amounts in dark chocolate, therefore, stimulate and regulate the nervous system. In this way, they potentiate the effects of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, known for its role in stress, anxiety and depression.
Therefore, flavonoids increase blood flow to the hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with memory capabilities. Eating dark chocolate rich in these antioxidants would therefore help to maintain memory.
Disturbed sleep is sometimes linked to a magnesium deficiency. Since chocolate is good for your teeth and health, it contains interesting amounts (84 milligrams per 100 grams of dark chocolate with 40% cocoa), its consumption makes it possible to fill this lack and, therefore, rebalance the rhythm of sleep.
That chocolate is delicious and has several health and well-being benefits, everyone already knows. But in addition to all these qualities, it has another very important and curious property: the anti-cariogenic. This means that it prevents the appearance of cavities.
Although its composition contains sugar, one of the main factors responsible for the development of caries, chocolate has other beneficial substances that inhibit its occurrence.
The stimulant, present in greater amounts in chocolate with 80% cocoa content, eliminates Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria found in the oral cavity, which contributes to tooth decay.
This substance is responsible for the bitter taste present in dark chocolate and, because it is found in large quantities, this property ends up being effective in preventing oral caries.
Those are the numerous theobromine benefits that you can enjoy by eating the indicated amount of the healthiest kind of chocolate.
