Chocolate Chemistry: Phenylethylamine in Chocolate: Phenylethylamine WeightLoss Diet

Phenylethylamine is a trace amine occurring naturally in our brains, where it releases dopamine in the mesolimbic centres for pleasure. Chemically, phenylethylamine is related to the amphetamines and will temporarily raise blood pressure as well as blood glucose levels. The phenylethylamine molecule is a complex chain of carbon and hydrogen, with the addition of one nitrogen atom.

Phenylethylamine plays a vital role when we fall in love and feel passion, and the phenylethylamine levels peaks during orgasm. Chocolate has always been associated with love and the cocoa bean was considered an aphrodisiac by the Maya and Aztec cultures more than 1500 years ago. The Aztec ruler Montezuma allegedly never visited his harem without first strengthening him self with several cups of a strong and dark chocolate drink known as xocoatl . The Aztecs believed xocoatl to increase a man's stamina and make a woman less inhibited. Learning this, the Spaniards brought cocoa beans back to Europe where the beans were introduced as an aphrodisiac. Today, chocolate is considered by many as an ideal gift for a woman to receive from a lover. So, it comes as no surprise the phenylethylamine once discovered soon became popularly know as ‘the love drug'.

Trace amines, such as phenylethylamine, are molecules found naturally in our bodies, but in very small amount. Their structure resembles that of the neurotransmitters adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin which we now have a strong effect on our mood. The trace amines probably play a more essential part of our body chemistry than the scientist first suspected. Their amounts are low, but they still seem to be capable of regulating important bodily functions like blood pressure, body temperature and even our mood. Trace amines have not only been found in chocolate, but in beer, red wine and certain types of hard cheese too.

How strongly phenylethylamine can affect us is disputed, since studies show that a large part of the phenylethylamine ingested orally is metabolised before it reaches the central nervous system. One theory suggests that the sensitivity varies in each individual, and that some persons therefore are able to feel the effect of phenylethylamine even when it comes in very small doses. This would also explain why some people never go through a stressful day without reaching for the chocolate bar, while others don't even like the taste of chocolate.

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