What is Theobromine for and its benefits for the body

Melanie Ramos 5 min. of reading Weight Loss Leave a comment

Have you ever heard about this ingredient? Theobromine is a caffeine-like alkaloid but with a milder and longer-lasting effect, mainly found in cocoa beans and, therefore, in chocolate. Dark chocolate, in particular, contains high concentrations of theobromine due to its lower dilution with other ingredients.

Besides cocoa, theobromine is present in more than sixty plant species, such as kola nut, yerba mate, tea, and guarana, establishing itself as a key component in various natural products. Discover more about its properties and benefits in this post.

Index

1 Benefits of Theobromine
2 Natural sources of Theobromine
3 Theobromine supplements
4 Theobromine toxicity
5 References
6 Related posts on the topic:

Benefits of Theobromine

Among the most outstanding properties of this stimulant, we can find:

Produces a feeling of well-being: Theobromine promotes the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain, generating a feeling of well-being and happiness. This effect, along with its presence in chocolate, contributes to the popularity of this food as a “mood booster”.
Acts as a mild diuretic: Theobromine has diuretic properties that help increase urine production, facilitating the elimination of fluids and toxins from the body. This can be beneficial for people suffering from fluid retention or hypertension.
Relaxes blood vessels: This compound has a vasodilator effect, meaning it can relax and widen blood vessels. This property helps improve blood circulation and may contribute to lowering blood pressure.
Relaxes smooth muscles: Theobromine can relax smooth muscles found in internal organs like the intestines and bronchi. This may relieve conditions such as asthma and improve digestive function.
Acts as an aphrodisiac: Although scientific evidence is limited, theobromine has traditionally been considered to have aphrodisiac properties. Its ability to improve mood and blood circulation may contribute to this effect.
Is a mild stimulant of the nervous system: Unlike caffeine, theobromine stimulates the central nervous system more gently and for longer, providing an energy boost without the nervousness or the “crash” afterward that caffeine can cause. This makes it ideal for improving concentration and alertness without negatively affecting sleep.

Natural sources of Theobromine

When we talk about theobromine, cocoa is undoubtedly the most recognized source. However, this substance is also found in other foods:

Cocoa and chocolate: The best-known sources of theobromine, with variations in content depending on the type of chocolate.
Tea: Although in smaller amounts than cocoa, tea also contains theobromine.
Coffee and guarana: These drinks contain theobromine, though in smaller proportions compared to caffeine.
Some nuts and as an ingredient in dietary supplements and health products.

Theobromine supplements

Thanks to theobromine’s ability to boost training intensity, it can be found in many pre-workout supplements as fat-burning stimulants and thermogenics.

Theobromine can also be found in lower concentrations when cocoa is used as a flavoring and/or aromatic agent in products based on proteins such as protein blends, weight gainers, or diet bars.

Evoburn by HSN, thermogenic formula.

Evoburn by HSN, thermogenic formula.

Theobromine toxicity

Theobromine is produced in quite high concentrations in chocolate. A 50 g piece of dark chocolate could contain on average 378 mg. This is obviously a safe amount of chocolate that could be eaten without dangerous side effects.

Doses of more than 1,000 mg have been safely used in clinical trials without harmful effects but may cause mild stomach discomfort. A large amount of cocoa must be consumed for theobromine to have harmful effects on humans.

Although it does not cause harmful effects in humans, it is highly toxic to some pets, including dogs and cats. A small dose of theobromine in animals can cause heart arrhythmias and seizures, even death.

References

Zarrillo S, Gaikwad N, Lanaud C, Powis T, Viot C, Lesur I, Fouet O, Argout X, Guichoux E, Salin F, Solorzano RL, Bouchez O, Vignes H, Severts P, Hurtado J, Yepez A, Grivetti L, Blake M, Valdez F. The use and domestication of Theobroma cacao during the mid-Holocene in the upper Amazon. Nat Ecol Evol. 2018 Oct 29. doi: 10.1038/s41559-018-0697-x.
Chocolate. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-.