Health

J J 24 May 2019

Theobromine and Cocoa

You may have heard of the benefits of eating dark chocolate and cocoa products but do you know why?

Theobromine is the primary alkaloid in cocoa and a key component to the health benefits in these treats we love.

The origins of Cocoa date back to over 3000 years ago where it was used for nutritional and medicinal purposes by the Mayan and Aztec civilizations. The cocoa plant was made into a chocolate drink considered a “drink of the Gods”, “theo” meaning god and “broma” meaning food. The drink was appreciated for its invigorating and stimulating effects rather than for its taste.

What is Theobromine?

Theobromine is the primary alkaloid in cocoa.

It was named after the scientific name of the cocoa tree, Theobroma Cacao, as it was noted by scientists to have similar stimulation and heart effects as caffeine.

Theobromine is known to increase energy and urine production, it’s used as an anti-inflammatory and to improve cognition, weight loss, removal of toxins, and can help decrease blood pressure along with asthmatic episodes.

How does it work?

Theobromine is a methylxanthine the same as caffeine. It has become a popular alternative to caffeine due to the fact that you can still get stimulating effects without the ‘jittery’ feeling that caffeine users may experience. This is because caffeine works mainly on the nervous system where Theobromine is a smooth muscle stimulant. The half-life of Theobromine is roughly 6-10 hours which means you will still be feeling the beneficial effects much longer than caffeine.

Theobromine works in the body to improve your circulatory, respiratory, and excretory systems. It stimulates the heart muscle, relaxes bronchial smooth muscles in the lungs and plays an important role in the transmission of intracellular signals.

Theobromines main mechanisms of action are inhibition of phosphodiesterase’s and blockade of adenosine receptors which can reduce inflammation, increase stimulation, cause widening of blood vessels and increase the speed the brain responds to signals.

The benefits of Theobromine

Blood Pressure

Theobromine can help to reduce blood pressure due to its ability to widen the blood vessels.

Anti-Inflammatory

In a study on 21 asthma patients, Theobromine proved as an anti-inflammatory in suppressing airway hyperactivity and reduced inflammation in the lungs which improved their ability to breathe.

Weight Loss

Theobromine is an appetite suppressant which may help people lose weight and due to its stimulant properties, it provides an increase in energy – which could also help with shedding those extra kilos.

Easier Breathing

Studies have found that Theobromine is very beneficial for asthma patients and people who have difficulty breathing as it opens up pathways for air to enter the lungs. In a study of 21 young adults, theobromine capsules opened the bronchial diameter which increased airflow to the lungs.

Studies have also found that due to its anti-inflammatory abilities it is also a great cough remedy.

Removes Toxins From The Body

Theobromine is a diuretic which means it increases the production of urine, eliminating toxins through the body. Theobromine also widens blood vessels which means blood flows through them faster also aiding in eliminating toxins.

Cognitive Function

Participants partaking in a study on brain function found that they had improved levels of mental tasks and their mental fatigue was reduced.

Improved Sleep

Unlike caffeine, Theobromine has contributed to patients staying asleep for a longer period. A survey of over 5587 people found that after taking Theobromine they had a better night’s sleep.

What products can I find theobromine in?

If you are wishing to supplement with Theobromine CYOS have Theobromine powder with no fillers or additives, just pure powder!

Get some now!

We also love Crio Bru brewed cocoa products, which taste amazing and is great if you are looking for a delicious coffee alternative!

Get some now!

You can also find Theobromine in chocolate, leaves of the tea plant and the kola tree.

Keep away from your pets!

At CYOS we love animals! Theobromine can be dangerous and even fatal to animals so be sure to keep your theobromine supplements and products away from your much-loved pets!