Phenylethylamine (PEA) is the compound found in chocolate that is thought to produce its positive effects on mood. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is a particular strain of blue green algae that has been found to have many times more PEA than chocolate.
Does chocolate contain PEA?
Besides a number of other beneficial substances (e.g. antioxidants), chocolate also contains trace amounts of PEA (Ziegleder et al., 1992), a result of the thermal processing and fermentation of cocoa (Granvogl et al., 2006).
What does phenylethylamine do to your body?
Phenethylamine increases a chemical in the brain called serotonin. Some medications also increase serotonin. Taking phenethylamine along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This can cause serious side effects including severe headache, heart problems, shivering, confusion, and anxiety.
What is PEA ingredient?
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a chemical made from fat. It is found naturally in foods such as egg yolks and peanuts, and in the human body. PEA can bind to cells in the body and reduce pain and swelling.
What chocolate has the most phenylethylamine?
Dark Chocolate the “Love Drug”
Eating Dark Chocolate releases Phenylethylamine and Serotonin. The chemical Phenylethylamine a chemical much like amphetamine is released in the brain when individuals feel love.
Is phenylethylamine a love drug?
Phenylethylamine is known as the “love drug” and is thought be be the reason why chocolate is said to be an aphrodisiac. It is a chemical that mimics the brain chemistry of a person in love, so when levels of phenylethylamine are high in the body it relieves depression from unrequited love.
How does PEA make you feel?
PEA has stimulating effects. It can improve mood, increase attention and energy, and promote a feeling of well-being. PEA is made from the amino acid l-phenylalanine, which is naturally found in food. Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are other brain chemicals that relate to mood.
Is PEA good for anxiety?
PEA may play a potential role as an antidepressant and help to reduce anxiety and stress through its ability to enhance the levels and actions of anandamide – the ‘bliss’ molecule. Further, those with higher levels of PEA in their blood showed better tolerance of stress.
Is PEA good for brain?
Peas’ pantothenic acid content benefits your brain. It aids in the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate your brain activity during sleep. It also helps you produce melatonin, a hormone in your brain that controls your daily sleep-wake cycle.
Can PEA cause depression?
Abstract. Phenylethylamine (PEA), an endogenous neuroamine, increases attention and activity in animals and has been shown to relieve depression in 60% of depressed patients. It has been proposed that PEA deficit may be the cause of a common form of depressive illness.
Does PEA have side effects?
There are no known problematic side-effects. PEA can be taken together with any other substance. It enhances the pain-relieving effect of classic analgesics and anti-inflammatories. Palmitoylethanolamide can be used in combination with other substances without any side effects.
Is PEA a cannabinoid?
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a cannabinoid found in our bodies and as a natural food ingredient found in egg yolk, soybeans, and milk. It is marketed as an anti-inflammatory supplement in parts of Europe under the brand names Normast and Pelvilen.
Is phenethylamine illegal?
In the United States, the DEA classified some tryptamines and phenethylamines as Schedule I substances but not others. For instance, while it remains illegal to possess DMT or 2C-B, possession of their chemical cousins, 5-MeO-DMT or 2C-I, continues to be legal.
Why do I feel-good after eating chocolate?
Tryptophan, an amino acid present in small quantities in chocolate, is linked to the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of happiness.
Why do I feel better after eating dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate contains psychoactive ingredients that produce feel-good results; one is phenylethylamine, a neuromodulator that helps regulate mood. Plus, dark chocolate contains a higher concentration of antioxidants that reduce inflammation, a condition linked to the onset of depression.
What foods is PEA found in?
Pea-based ingredients including: pea flour, pea protein concentrate, and pea protein isolate may now be found in processed foods such as meat products (e.g. sausages, sliced meat products, meatballs) and plant-based meat alternatives, milk and dairy alternatives, as well as soups, sauces, cereals, baking mixes, baked
What food contains phenylethylamine?
Foods high in tyramine and phenylethylamine include nuts, citrus fruits, chocolates, “moldy” cheeses, and vinegar. Tyramine is an amino acid that actually increases over time, which is why it can be easily found in improperly stored leftovers.
How do you increase phenylethylamine naturally?
Foods that naturally contain this molecule include:
- chocolate/cocoa beans.
- natto.
- eggs.
- various plants in the family called Leguminosae, which is composed of trees, shrubs, vines, herbs (such as clover), nuts/seeds like almonds, flaxseeds and walnuts, and legumes/beans (such as soybeans, lentils, chickpeas and green peas)
What is the difference between phenylethylamine and phenylalanine?
A: Phenylethylamine is derived from phenylalanine, but it’s a much different substance. It’s much, much more potent and has a different effect than phenylalanine. You will get much more energy and euphoria from phenylethylamine.
Can you get high on PEA?
PEA functions like a natural amphetamine, so you really are high on love. PEA triggers the release of two neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is a vital part of the brain’s desire and reward system and is released in response to anything addictive, including cocaine, nicotine, and love.
Does PEA make you sleepy?
PEA supplements may help people fall asleep and boost cognition on waking: Study. Eight weeks of supplementation with palmitoylethanolamide, an endocannabinoid-like molecule, may improve sleep measures in healthy adults, according to results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.