Chocoholism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chocoholism is a facetious portmanteau of "chocolate" and "alcoholism," referring to an addiction to chocolate. A person who is "addicted" to chocolate is often described as a chocoholic.
[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.
- Caffeine - The chemical present in coffee and tea.
- Theobromine - Various theobromines are present.
- 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'.
