Raw chocolate has an amazing reputation as an aphrodisiac, and it’s deeply embedded into the history of Western civilization. Ancient Mayan culture placed a great deal of value on chocolate and used cacao beans as currency. The Spanish Conquistadors introduced chocolate to Europe not as an aphrodisiac, but as a rich hot drink.
In modern times, chocolate has been proven by scientific studies to release the same hormone as sexual contact with a partner. This is due to the Phenylthylamine content in chocolate as well as the several hundred other compounds. Keep in mind that chocolate is one of the world’s most complex foods. Modern science has also shown us that chocolate also contains flavonoids– antioxidants from the same ‘family’ of compounds as those we hear about in green tea as well as red wine. Studies show that the antioxidant activity in one serving of cacao is higher than that of both tea and red wine.
The darker or less processed the chocolate, the more powerful the antioxidants. A study done by the University of Michigan concluded that eating chocolate produces natural opiates in the brain– another explanation for chocolate’s ‘feel-good’ reputation. The Neurosciences Institute in San Diego conducted further studies that concluded that three of the chemical compounds in chocolate behave similarly to THC– the active chemical in marijuana. These chemicals increase dopamine production in the brain.
Cacao and Cannabis have quite a bit in commons, it appears. Just in 1992, a team of researchers began discussing the properties of Anandamide. Recent studies are showing that chocolate contains Anandamide– what some are calling the “bliss” chemical that binds to the same receptor sites as THC binds to the brain. Anandamide is also a cannabinoid, one of the active psychoactive compounds found in Marijuana.
When produced by the body, it’s called an Endocannibinoid. This “inner” or endo-Cannabinoid system of the body is quite complex & fundamental to our health & immune system. If the body is capable of creating morphine, why should we be surprised that it could create marijuana as well? This is mostly due to brain chemistry! It’s fascinating– when someone is in love, their brain produces a chemical called phenylethylamine, or PEA. PEA behaves quite similarly to amphetamines in the brain, which triggers a release of specific hormones– norepinephrine and dopamine, to be exact. These hormones create a euphoric feeling. It’s been theorized, since the 80’s, that since chocolate contains PEA, it may also induce feelings of happiness and love.
There’s a diverse class of compounds derived from PEA that include stimulants, psychedelics, bronchodialators, and anti-depressants. Similar to Dopamine and Adrenaline produced by our own bodies, PEA is sometimes called the love chemical– the chemical produced in our brain when we are in love. No wonder PEA can have anti-depressant qualities. Furthermore, the natural fats in chocolate trigger a pleasure response in our brains–this adds to the mood-enhancing qualities of chocolate! P
EA is broken down quickly by the body…however, in the presence of a Mono Amine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), concentrations can build up in the brain a thousand fold! Conveniently, chocolate itself contains MAOI’s that inhibit the breakdown of Phenylethylamine– present in the chocolate, as well as our brains. Other ‘amines’ present in our brain are allowed to build up as well, like Dimethyltriptamine (DMT) and Dopamine, contributing to the mood-enhancing effects. Our Raw Chocolate Lovers Bar is a fabulous source to get that feel-good feeling flowing through you!
“Lovers Bar” Superfood Chocolate contains Mood Enhancing Mucuna: “Velvet Monkey Bean”
- Used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat Parkinson Disease.
- Contains LDOPA, an amino acid that the body converts to Dopamine
- HGH Secretagogue
- Aphrodisiac, increases Sperm Count
- Prophylactic Treatment of Snakebites
- Regulates Serotonin (5-HT), 5-HTP
- Contains DMT, Nicotine, Bufotenine and has potential Psychedelic effects.
Mucuna is the “Anti-Stimulant” that Cacao Shamans have used traditionally to balance cacao and compliment its psychoactive effects. Mucuna contains safe levels of neurotransmitter activators. Each bar is also loaded with the world’s most potent Cordyceps and 4-color Reishi medicinal mushroom mycelium.
When combined with the natural MAO inhibitors in the Cacao and Ashwagandha, along-term release of Serotonin, and other Neurotransmitters, can occur. By receiving these alchemical Medicinal Foods many people report a sustained and euphoric “Happy Feeling”.