Theobromine

Cocoa

Theobromine is the primary alkaloid found in cocoa and chocolate. Cocoa powder can vary in the amount of theobromine, from 2% theobromine to at least 10%. There are usually higher concentrations in dark than in milk chocolate. Theobromine can also be found in small amounts in the kola nut (1.0–2.5%), the guarana berry, Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate), and the tea plant. 1 oz of milk chocolate contains approximately 60 mg of theobromine but 1 oz of dark chocolate contains about 200 mg. Cocoa beans naturally contain approximately 1–4% theobromine.
See also : Chocolate

Special Precautions of Theobromine

• There is some evidence that consumption of theobromine by pregnant women may have significant adverse effects on the development of the fetus. Specifically, a study by the National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in Poland found that laboratory animals that ingested large amounts of theobromine and other methyloxanthines showed impaired development of new blood vessels. In addition, the arms and legs of the offspring were stunted in size, and the animals showed several irregularities in immune system function.
• In addition, theobromine is the chemical that makes chocolate potentially fatal to dogs who are unable to break down the chemical in the liver. This condition, although much rarer, can also occur in predisposed humans. In general, the levels of the methylxanthines in even high quality chocolates are unlikely to cause poisoning in people. Unfortunately, however, supplements containing 20 to 30 times the amount of these chemicals are now commercially available. At these levels, even healthy individuals risk a reaction.
• The source of theobromine also determines its overall benefit to an individual’s health. The high levels of fat and refined sugar in milk chocolate likely overshadow any benefit that the chemical may have on insulin levels and blood pressure. Dark chocolate, however, often contains higher levels of the chemical and lower levels of sugars. In that case, the benefits may balance just enough to allow guilt-free snacking.

Benefits and uses of Theobromine are

• as a vasodilator (a blood vessel widener)
• as a diuretic (urination aid)
• Anti-inflammatory : Aside from being a natural stimulant, studies have also documented the anti-inflammatory properties of theobromine. It acts as an antioxidant with the ability to oxidate the toxins from the body right down to a cellular level. It’s also been seen to be effective against conditions involving muscle swelling like arthritis.
• High Blood pressure : Theobromine increases urine production. Because of this diuretic effect, and its ability to dilate blood vessels, theobromine has been used to treat high blood pressure.
• heart disease : The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes that historic use of theobromine as a treatment for other circulatory problems including arteriosclerosis, certain vascular diseases, angina pectoris, and hypertension should be considered in future studies.
• Following its discovery in the late 19th century, theobromine was put to use by 1916, when it was recommended by the publication Principles of Medical Treatment as a treatment for edema (excessive liquid in parts of the body), syphilitic angina attacks, and degenerative angina.
• cancer : Possible future uses of theobromine in such fields as cancer prevention have been patented.
• Tooth Decay : Researchers found that teeth treated with theobromine lose about 10 percent less calcium than teeth treated with fluoride when exposed to acids.
• Increases Airflow in Lungs : Theobromine doesn’t just help to open up the body’s blood vessels for better blood pressure. It’s also known to open up the body’s airways so more oxygen can get into the lungs. Researchers have seen theobromine to be capable of relaxing the body’s smooth lung muscles. Relaxing these muscles helps to increase the airflow moving through the lungs which is a good way to manage respiratory conditions like shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and even asthma.
• Promotes Weight Loss : Amounts of theobromine in the body are also known to promote weight loss. Studies have shown that theobromine is one of the few natural substances which can effectively reduce eating urges and hunger pangs. It’s also known to help break down the excess fat in the body. Theobromine is also an effective stimulant. As such, it gives you enough energy to last through the day despite controlling your urges to eat.
• Removes Bodily Toxins : Theobromine has antioxidative properties. While these properties are intrinsic to the compound, its effectiveness is increased when it’s combined with other compounds. For example, the theobromine in dark chocolate works together with the polyphenols in cacao. When theobromine and polyphenols work together, they act like an antioxidant which protect the body against free radicals and helps to flush out all sorts of toxins in the body.
• Improves Cholesterol Levels : Theobromine does two things related to the body’s cholesterol levels. One, it helps increase the body’s high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. And two, it can lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol molecules throughout your bloodstream. Before worrying about increasing your body’s cholesterol levels on purpose by consuming loads of theobromine, you have to know that there are two kinds of cholesterol—the good and the bad kind. HDL cholesterol is the good kind of cholesterol. It’s in charge of capturing the LDL cholesterol molecules swimming through your blood vessels.Too much LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream could cause blockages which can lead to blood clots and heart attacks in the future
• Promotes Sleep : Aside from being a natural stimulant, theobromine is also known to help lower a person’s feelings of anxiety which promotes stress relief. Theobromine also enables both your body and mind to relax more. Feeling more relaxed and having lower levels of stress can lead to you having a good night’s sleep.
• May Prevent Kidney Stones : Taking some theobromine extracted from cacao or 70% dark chocolate also helps to prevent uric acid from building up in the body. With less uric acid lying around in your body, the chances of you developing kidney stones are lessened. Theobromine doesn’t just break down the excess uric acid in your body. It’s also known as a natural diuretic.It keeps you from getting kidney stones by increasing the fluids and salts expelled from the body through frequent urination.
• Reduces Gout Symptoms : Gout is a special form of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid present in the blood which eventually builds up around the joints. The uric acid eventually forms needle-like crystals on the joints which causes people who have it to experience some pain, redness, and swelling usually around the feet and ankle areas. As mentioned previously, theobromine works well to break down any excess uric acid present in the blood. Eliminating excess amounts of uric acid doesn’t just lower your risk of experiencing kidney stones. It’ll also help reduce the symptoms of gout and keep joint inflammation at bay.
• Increases brain function : When combined with natural flavanols in cocoa and tea, theobromine can actually increase a person’s brain functions. Studies have shown that the combination of theobromine and flavanols help to improve one’s mental performance. Plus, ingesting theobromine has also been observed to reduce mental fatigue.
• May Reduce the Risk of Cancer : Research also suggests that theobromine has the ability to reduce one’s risk of cancer. According to studies, it helps to prevent the buildup of certain enzymes which, when left to accumulate, can lead to the growth of cancer cells.