Coffee or Cocoa?
Are you wondering which energy source is the best coffee or cocoa Don't worry! We give you an overview in this blog post.t.
Theobromine as an alternative to caffeine
Many people cannot start their day without first having a cup of coffee. Their brains cry out for caffeine, which makes them feel energized and ready to take on any challenge. However, there is another caffeine alternative that has comparable properties and may be a better fit for you. We are talking about theobromine - a molecule that is mainly found in dark chocolate and cocoa.
What is theobromine and why is it a caffeine alternative?
Cocoa and some tea plants contain theobromine, a naturally occurring stimulant. Theobromine is often mentioned in the same sentence as cocoa and also chocolate. Cacao has always been known for its stimulating effects and was even given to the ancient Mayan emperors as a godsend. When Western scientists later had to agree on a botanical name, they honored the religious origins of cocoa and named the newly discovered plant genusTheobroma cacao, which means something like "food of the gods". Just like caffeine got its name from the most well-known caffeine-containing plant - we're talking about coffee, of course - that's what it was calledtheobromine according to the plant in which it occurs most often:Theobroma cacao.
What makes caffeine so popular?
The main benefit of caffeine is that it chases away fatigue. That's why morning coffee is so popular. Most people drink it for morning energy as it is high in caffeine. Caffeine can also make you feel less hungry, which is why it's a popular ingredient in weight-loss supplements.
Caffeine often makes you restless and nervous
On the other hand, caffeine can make you restless and anxious. The mechanism of action of caffeine is relatively simple. Although it stimulates the central nervous system and makes us more alert (focus), it also stimulates the sympathetic system (stress system), which often leads to restless, shaky bursts of energy. Because of this, many people are looking for a caffeine alternative.e.
What does a caffeine overdose feel like?
Perhaps every coffee drinker has had this experience. Drinking coffee late in the day can make it difficult to fall asleep. You lie awake and can clearly feel your heart beating, mostly faster than usual. I know from experience that in stressful times caffeine is like pouring gasoline on the fire. I then very clearly feel a strong pressure on my chest and my thoughts race, I stiffen on problems and am irritable. That's why I was already looking for a coffee alternative in my old office job that still tastes delicious.
caffeine and stress
In my experience, caffeine is particularly insidious because, especially in stressful professional situations, people tend to think that a lack of receptivity or focus is the problem. Often that is not true at all. What you need now is usually a step back and conscious relaxation to counteract the stress and not to fall into blind activism.
Cocoa wakes you up with theobromine
Chemically, caffeine and theobromine are very similar. Caffeine is an alkaloid and the world's most commonly consumed stimulant. Caffeine acts directly on the central nervous system, heart and muscles. Theobromine, on the other hand, is metabolized much more slowly, is less potent, and lasts longer than caffeine. This makes theobromine a great caffeine alternative.
Benefits of Theobromine
Improved blood circulation and breathing are two other benefits of theobromine, which according to the latest research evensaid to be beneficial for coughs. Theobromine helps relax flexible muscle tissue, especially the tissue in the lungs, and is believed to help relieve the urge to cough. According to some studies and research, theobromine's antioxidant properties may also help reduce inflammation.
Cocoa as a coffee alternative
Unlike coffee, cocoa contains high levels of theobromine and phenylethylamine (More about PEA in this blog post). Both are stimulants, but have a much longer half-life than caffeine and do not appear to have any effect on the sympathetic (stress system). But is cocoa a good coffee alternative? Let's take a closer look at cocoa..
Cocoa wakes you up relaxed
Because cocoa means that after a moderate consumption of cocoa, you'll never feel the excited rush of energy and subsequent crash like you have after drinking coffee.
Our model Natalie comes from Venezuela and has never had coffee in her life - only cocoa. We found that out during the shoot. Crazy coincidence or she drinks cocoa from her home country here ((Sur del Lago Venezuela 🇻🇪), to which she has not been able to return for years for political reasons. No wonder she's so radiant🤗
Conclusion: Is cocoa a good coffee alternative??
Which is better: coffee or hot chocolate Of course, you can't say that. However, since theobromine is less addictive than caffeine, it's a good idea to switch to a drink with a higher theobromine content if you're looking to reduce your caffeine intake. Cocoa is naturally high in theobromine and low in caffeine, making it an excellent coffee alternative,
Aromatic, low caffeine and super healthy
Cocoa takes no longer to prepare, is at least as aromatic, tastes delicious and is a real superfood. If you don't like coffee, but still don't want to do without a gentle pick-me-up in the morning, cocoa is a fantastic coffee alternative.
Give it a try and let me know in the comments if cocoa can outperform your morning coffee. He did that to me 4 years ago✨
I drank while writing:
A cupSelva Tabasqueno from Mexico🇲🇽
A few interesting studies on the subject:
The relevance of theobromine for the beneficial effects of cocoa
Maybe also interesting for you:
Caffeine and stress - an inseparable duo.
Cocoa in the morning routine (confessions of a coffee junkie).
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