A Sitmulant To The Brain: Chocolate
Just as I finished reading Module 5, I got my usual chocolate craving that I always give in to. Immediately, I was intrigued why I seem to think life without chocolate would be unthinkable and saw how chocolate relates to many aspects studied over Unit 1 entirely; including its cognitive, nervous system, and endorphin effects, its drug-like constituents and effects on sensations among other things. As a child, for the most part, my taste buds knew only of Hershey’s and ever since I have been called a “chocoholic”. On stressful days or over long hours at work I usually find myself craving the unique sweet and it sure makes it all better.
Chocolate is made up of many chemicals that are produced from the tropical cacao tree that have a physiological effect on us. Chocolate can affect the brain by causing the release of certain neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals use for communication between neurons. The amounts of any particular neurotransmitter we have at any given time can have a great impact on our mood. Neurotransmitters such as endorphins and other opiates can help to reduce stress and lead to feelings of well being. Another neurotransmitter introduced in Module 3 which is affected by chocolate is serotonin, is known to be important in regulating mood. Tryptophan, also found in chocolate causes the release of serotonin.
Chocolate also contains two compounds that are chemically related to a substance the brain produces, anandamide, which is similar in makeup to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. It activates the same receptor which causes the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter which leads to feelings of well being. One of the more unique neurotransmitters released by chocolate is phenylethylamine, which causes changes in blood pressure and blood-sugar levels leading to feelings of excitement and alertness. Theobromine is another chemical found in chocolate that can affect the nervous system because it has properties that...
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