Chocolate and the Brain

Eating chocolate has long been associated with a feeling of well-being, alertness, and satisfaction. Researchers have identified some key components in chocolate that account for the emotions of eating chocolate.

Anandamide

Anandamide is a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter molecule synthesized in areas of the human brain important in enforcing and breaking short term neural connections. Its role is important in memory, higher thought processes, movement control, and forgetfulness. Anandamide binds to the so-called "bliss" receptor. Its effects include dulling pain and inducing an overall feeling of well-being. Unfortunately for humans, anandamide is a fragile molecule which breaks down easily.

Researchers have isolated at least three compounds in chocolate that strongly resemble anandamide. Those compounds are able to bind to the bliss receptor and produce effects similar to those of anandamide. Furthermore, they have also found in chocolate numerous other compounds that inhibit anandamide breakdown. According to the research of Daniele Piomelli and Emmanuelle diTomaso, chocolate has "pharmalogically-active substances that...may be responsible for certain drug-induced psychoses associated with chocolate craving."

Theobromine

According to xocoatl.org, the often-quoted caffeine content of chocolate is a myth. The stimulant effects often attributed to caffeine, are in fact, the effects of theobromine, which makes up about 1-2% of cocoa by weight.  Like caffeine, theobromine increases the activity of neurotransmitters responsible for increased attention and alertness. But unlike caffeine, theobromine is a much milder stimulant to the central nervous system and is not physiologically addictive. Theobromine also increases a sense of well-being as a mild anti-depressant. It is proven to be a cause of physical and mental relaxation. It stimulates the cardiovascular and  muscular systems. All in all, theobromine may be responsible for giving chocolate its aphrodisiac charactersitics.

Though chocolate contains trace amounts of cannabinoid and phenylethylamine chemicals, research has shown that there are no chemical properties that would cause a physical dependency. Craving chocolate and satisfying the crave has more to do with the sensory experience of consuming chocolate than meeting a  physiological need.

The following websites are good sources for more information on chocolate and its compounds:
http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/features/anandamide.shtml
http://www.xocoatl.org/