Chocoholism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chocoholism is a portmanteau of "chocolate" and "alcoholism," referring to an addiction to chocolate. Some connoisseurs of chocolate claim to suffer from this "condition" and describe themselves as chocoholics.
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[edit] Chemistry
Chocolate contains a variety of substances, several of which are addictive (such as caffeine--in trace quantities). These include:
- Sugar - Chocolate (as opposed to Cocoa) contains large amounts of sugar.
- Theobromine - Various theobromines are present. Theobromine is chemically similar to caffeine.
- Anandamide - An endogenous cannabinoid which is also naturally produced in the Human brain.
- Tryptophan - An essential amino acid that is a precursor to Serotonin an important neurotransmitter involved in regulating moods.
- Phenylethylamine - A Neurotransmitter from which amphetamine is derived. Often described as a 'love chemical', however it is quickly metabolised by monoamine oxidase, so it has no effect on the central nervous system.
[edit] Pleasure of consuming
Part of the pleasure of eating chocolate is due to the fact that its melting point is slightly below human body temperature, therefore melting in the mouth.
