theobromine
Bitter cacao compound
Theobromine is a bitter alkaloid found in cacao beans, tea leaves, and cola nuts.
It's the primary stimulant in chocolate, milder than its chemical relative caffeine.
The compound dilates blood vessels and acts as a mild diuretic.
Theobromine is toxic to dogs and cats, which metabolize it slowly—one reason chocolate is dangerous for pets.
Tropical pod-bearing tree
- cocoaGround cacao seed powder
- dark chocolateCocoa-heavy candy variety
- nibsPen tip parts
- cocoa butterEdible fat from cacao
cocoa powder · chocolate bar · bittersweet · unsweetened · milk chocolate · ganache · truffle · hot chocolate
Tropical pod-bearing tree
- cocoaGround cacao seed powder
- dark chocolateCocoa-heavy candy variety
- kola nutCaffeine-bearing tropical seed
- guaranaAmazonian stimulant plant
yerba mate · tea plant · carob · acai
Nitrogenous plant compound
- purineTwo-fused-ring nitrogenous base
- caffeineMethylxanthine stimulant compound
- metaboliteSubstance from cellular processes
- moleculeBonded atomic group
organic compound · vasodilator · diuretic · bronchodilator · pharmacology · biochemistry · neurochemistry · synthesis
Intense emotional high
- well-beingState of health, contentment
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- endorphinsBody's innate pain blockers
- pleasureHappy, satisfied feeling
uplift · contentment · relaxation · comfort · bliss · satisfaction · feel-good · mood lift
Sharp, unpleasant taste
- astringentTissue-contracting agent
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- unsweetenedContains no sweetener
- bracingRefreshingly keen or stimulating
tannic · pungent · harsh · acquired taste · dark roast · bittersweet · raw cacao
Active mental awareness
- energyPower to do work
- wakefulnessState of being conscious
- psychoactiveAffecting brain and mood
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
thermogenesis · focus · concentration · gentler · sustained
Involuntary convulsions or takings
- vomitingExpelling stomach contents orally
- tremorsSlight shaking movements
- hyperactivityExcessive physical or mental energy
- cardiac arrhythmiaDisordered heart rhythm
cacao
Tropical pod-bearing tree
- cocoaGround cacao seed powder
- dark chocolateCocoa-heavy candy variety
- nibsPen tip parts
cocoa butter · cocoa powder · chocolate bar · bittersweet · unsweetened · milk chocolate · ganache · truffle · hot chocolate · brownie
cacao
Tropical pod-bearing tree
- cocoaGround cacao seed powder
- dark chocolateCocoa-heavy candy variety
- kola nutCaffeine-bearing tropical seed
guarana · yerba mate · tea plant · carob · acai
alkaloid
Nitrogenous plant compound
- purineTwo-fused-ring nitrogenous base
- caffeineMethylxanthine stimulant compound
- metaboliteSubstance from cellular processes
molecule · organic compound · vasodilator · diuretic · bronchodilator · pharmacology · biochemistry · neurochemistry · synthesis · bioavailability
euphoria
Intense emotional high
- well-beingState of health, contentment
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- endorphinsBody's innate pain blockers
pleasure · uplift · contentment · relaxation · comfort · bliss · satisfaction · feel-good · mood lift
bitter
Sharp, unpleasant taste
- astringentTissue-contracting agent
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- unsweetenedContains no sweetener
bracing · tannic · pungent · harsh · acquired taste · dark roast · bittersweet · raw cacao
alertness
Active mental awareness
- energyPower to do work
- wakefulnessState of being conscious
- psychoactiveAffecting brain and mood
metabolism · thermogenesis · focus · concentration · gentler · sustained
seizures
Involuntary convulsions or takings
- vomitingExpelling stomach contents orally
- tremorsSlight shaking movements
- hyperactivityExcessive physical or mental energy
- chocolatedark, cacao, white, bittersweet, cocoa powder
- chemical compoundsacetone, aldehydes, amines, esters, ketones
- cacaocacao tree, cacao beans, cacao nibs, cacao butter, cacao pods
- chocolate makingcacao, cocoa, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, cocoa beans
- stimulantscaffeine, amphetamine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine
- alkaloidsmorphine, codeine, nicotine, caffeine, cocaine