Anandamide in Chocolate

Chocolate contains more than 300 known chemicals including:

• Caffeine which is found in small quantities in chocolate
• Theobromine which may provide the "lift" that chocolate eaters experience
  
• Phenylethylamine a stimulants that increases the ability to pay attention and stay alert
• anandamide, has been isolated in chocolate and is also produced naturally in the brain.

Anandamide may be associated with the good feeling that chocolate consumption provides.

Anandamide, also known as arachidonylethanolamine, is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter found in the brains of mammals. The name is taken from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means "bliss"

Anandamide may play important roles in the regulation of mood, memory, appetite, and pain perception. It may act as the control of cognition and emotion.

Anandamide is present in cocoa powder and in chocolate.