Studies show that chocolate is the most appetizing food among the female population. Chocolate contains many ingredients that, when combined, ultimately result in the phenomenon of cravings that occurs among women.
One of those ingredients is PEA phenylethylamine, a naturally occurring substance derived from phenylalanine. It is an essential amino acid found in human and animal breast milk and is popularly used as a nutritional supplement for its ability to combat depression and anxiety, and to increase energy and stamina among high performance athletes.
PEA Phenylethylamine, like amphetamine, is responsible for releasing the hormones dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, making a person feel euphoric and upbeat.
People who are severely deficient in phenylethylamine in their diet can suffer from ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and those who have too much of this substance in their system can manifest symptoms of schizophrenia.
However, when taken orally, the potency of phenylethylamine is greatly reduced because it undergoes chemical changes in the liver before it enters the bloodstream for final distribution in the body. It is metabolized by the enzyme monoamine oxidase-B or MAO-B in the liver, greatly reducing its psychoactive effect before it reaches the brain.
The phenomenon of chocolate craving among women is not only attributed to the phenylethylamine or PEA content in chocolates, but also to the combined effects of other chemical compounds found in chocolates. Craving is also attributed to hormonal changes, specifically bouts of estrogen fluctuations that occur before and after a woman’s period. This monthly occurrence is probably why the craving for chocolates is most often attributed to women.
In addition to phenylethylamine PEA, chocolate contains theobromine, the main chemical ingredient found in chocolates. Theobromine belongs to the class of methylxanthines that includes caffeine and theophylline, but its effect on the central nervous system is less than that of caffeine. It is also the ingredient responsible for giving chocolate its aphrodisiac characteristics.
Phenylethylamine is believed to be the cause of many neuropsychiatric disorders. Too little of this substance is thought to cause depression, Parkinson’s disease, and ADHD, and too much causes chronic paranoid schizophrenia and phenylketonuria. It serves as the body’s natural amphetamine, as it causes euphoria and inexplicable happiness. Since amphetamines have been considered the first cognitive enhancers in popular use, they play a key role in improving and retaining memory, intelligence, increasing concentration and attention span.
PEA Phenethylamine can be found in small amounts in the brain comparable to natural opiates. It may play a key role in the development of migraine headaches and the phenomenon of aggression in certain individuals.