Theobromine, has shown a great deal of promise in causing weight loss. So what exactly is this “wonder ingredient?” Here’s a closer look at theobromine and its effects on the human body.

What Is Theobromine?

Theobromine is an organic, nitrogen containing substance that is found naturally in a number of dietary sources. It is a major component of cocoa and a minor component in both coffee and tea. Theobromine is similar in structure to caffeine, and like caffeine, it belongs to a class of alkaloid molecules known as methylxanthines. Methylxanthines occur naturally in as many as sixty different plant species found throughout the world. Theobromine has an effect that is similar to that of caffeine, but on a slightly milder scale.

How is Theobromine Used?

Theobromine has a number of beneficial effects on the human body, and it is commonly used in both traditional and herbal preparations to treat and prevent a wide range of illnesses and disorders. Theobromine can treat high blood pressure and coughing spells. It can be used to regulate pregnancy hormones in expectant moms. It acts also as a stimulant and a weight loss aide.

Cough Suppressant
A new study from the Imperial College of London shows that theobromine, is nearly a third more effective than codeine at controlling coughs. The researchers found that theobromine worked by suppressing activity of the vagus nerve, which is responsible for causing coughing. Unlike other cough treatments, theobromine does not cause drowsiness.

Regulates Pregnancy Hormones
New research suggests that theobromine, especially when found within chocolate, may be able to help keep an expectant mother’s hormonal changes in check. Scientists are still trying to determine the exact link between theobromine and pregnancy, but for now, this is very good news for moms-to-be!

Weight Loss Aide
Theobromine can also be used as a stimulant and weight loss aid. It has diuretic properties similar to caffeine and has also been shown in clinical studies to reduce food intake. Theobromine has a powerful appetite-suppressing effect. It can act on the central nervous system to help decrease appetite and make a person feel full. Theobromine is also the “feel-good” ingredient in chocolate, and it can therefore counter act the emotional weight loss drawbacks.

Dilates Blood Vessels
All methylxanthines have been shown to relax the smooth muscle of the bronchi in the lungs, but it is unlikely that this effect is noticeable when they are consumed as part of food or drink. Theobromine has been used for its diuretic effect, especially in cases when excess body fluid has led to cardiac failure. It has been administered with digitalis in order to relieve dilatation. Due to its ability to dilate blood vessels, theobromine has been used in recent medical applications to treat high blood pressure.

Where is Theobromine Found?

Theobromine can be found from sources like chocolate, coffee and tea. The amount of theobromine that is found in each food source varies. Cocoa beans naturally contain approximately three hundred to twelve hundred milligrams of theobromine per ounce. Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine. In general, dark chocolate contains the highest levels of theobromine at about ten grams per kilogram. Milk chocolates contain approximately one to five grams per kilogram.