The primary stimulant in chocolate is not caffeine, but theobromine. Theobromine does not stimulate the central nervous system in the same way that caffeine does, making it milder and non-addictive.
Theobromine can help lower blood sugar, support cognitive function, kill bacteria that cause cavities, relax & smooth muscle tissue, and reduce inflammation.
Anandamide comes from the Sanskrit word "ananda," which means bliss. It is a natural bliss/pleasure molecule produced by your body and responsible for the "high" felt after a good workout.
Anandamide binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and throughout the body. It can have effects on mood, sleep, memory, appetite, and pain relief.
Phenylethylamine (PEA) is known as the "Love-Bliss Chemical" because it's what our brains secrete when we are in love.
Chocolate has the second highest PEA levels of any food. Possibly the highest? it depends if you consider AFA Blue Green Algae a food! PEA works by stimulating the brain's pleasure center and reaches peak levels during romantic climax.
Serotonin is one of the most famous "feel good hormones." Serotonin from the gut is not transported to the brain, but the neural pathways connecting the gut and the brain allow them to affect one another. Serotonin also fulfills many important roles in the gut environment.
Serotonin regulates peristalsis- the rhythmic movement of gut muscles that "moves things along," supports digestion, and regulates sensitivity to pain. People with IBS who experience being "backed up" often have lower serotonin levels.
The epicatechin flavonoids in chocolate make it the ultimate pre-workout! It has been shown that the epicatechins found in just 30 grams of chocolate will enhance the quality and final results of training. They increase capacity for muscle aerobic metabolism, which means muscle fatigue is delayed.
Epicatechins have also been shown to improve cerebral blood flow, synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial function and better performance at cognitive testing.
Cacao is the highest natural source of antioxidants. Higher percentages of cacao mean higher levels of antioxidants. So with Pure Chocolate being 91% cacao, you can be sure you're getting a solid dose of these powerful antioxidants.
The antioxidants found in cacao are primarily from a class of polyphenols called flavanoids. These include epicatechin, catechin and procyanidins. These are associated with many benefits, including lower rates of heart disease and protection of long-term cognitive health.
If you want your gut bacteria to work hard for you, you have to feed them well! But what do gut bacteria like to eat? Prebiotics! These are special kinds of fiber that good bacteria can ferment and consume as fuel. And cacao is a great source of this prebiotic fiber.
Over 80% of people in the western world are chronically deficient in magnesium. We've got some good news- chocolate is the highest food source of this powerful mineral! Magnesium is important for stress management and over 300 other important functions in the body!