Typically, Chocolate Companies have added caffeine to their chocolate, it does not occur naturally in chocolate. However, one of chocolate’s active ingredients is Theobromine, which occurs only in Cacao. The two stimulants are related and have similar structures, but are very different chemicals with different properties, effects and origins. Below is a table which compares and contrasts Theobromine and Caffeine.
Theobromine /Caffeine
gentle /intense
mild effect /strong effect
very slow /onset fast acting
long lasting /rapid dissipation
50% in bloodstream after 6 to 10 hrs /50% in bloodstream after 2 to 5 hrs
increases feeling of well being /increases alertness
mild antidepressant /increases emotional stress
gentle, smooth, sensual stimulation /jagged, nervous stimulation
stimulates cardiovascular system /stimulates cardiovascular system
stimulates muscular system /stimulates respiratory system
mild effect on central nervous system /strong effect on central nervous system
almost no one is allergic /many people allergic
not addictive /physically addictive
no withdrawal symptoms /many proven withdrawal symptoms
mild diuretic /extreme diuretic
stimulates the kidney /requires large intake of fluids to balance the diuretic effect
No comments:
Post a Comment