Introducing: The Love Molecule
If you’re a chocolate lover, you would be familiar with the feelings that accompany every bite of your favourite bar... joyful, comforted, happy, relaxed… it almost feels like falling in love, and there is a good reason for that!
As well as a multitude of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients, Cacao also contains the neurotransmitter Phenylethylamine (PEA), also known as “The Love Molecule”.
Found naturally in the human brain, PEA holds a pivotal role in shaping feelings of love and affection, as well as capturing the essence of our emotional experiences.
Understanding Phenylethylamine (PEA)
This amazing molecule occurs naturally in the human brain and is also found in certain foods. PEA serves as a vital messenger between nerve cells, influencing a spectrum of physiological and emotional responses, including mood, cognition and overall brain function.
PEA and Love
During the initial phases of romantic love, PEA undergoes heightened activity, highlighting the involvement it has in shaping the intense and euphoric characteristic of early romantic connections. PEA's presence during these early stages suggests that it may contribute to the biochemical changes that accompany the formation of romantic bonds, further accentuating the pleasure associated with falling in love.
The Reward System
The connection between PEA and love is of particular interest because it intersects with the brain's reward system. Unpacking the relationship between the two provides a deeper understanding of how this neurotransmitter contributes to the blissful sensations of love. The brain's reward system involves the release of neurotransmitters and plays a crucial role in reinforcing behaviours that are essential for survival, such as eating and reproduction. PEA's interaction with this system suggests that it may enhance the rewarding aspects of romantic connections and intensify the emotional experience associated with love.
Diet and PEA
Dietary choices can directly impact PEA levels, emphasising the intricate relationship between nutrition and emotional well-being. Certain foods are rich in PEA, including dark chocolate, almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cheddar, gouda, bananas and berries.
The Science Behind the Love Molecule
Vast scientific studies and research on PEA have discovered the effect it has on mood, cognition and overall well-being. These studies have enhanced our understanding of how PEA influences joy and happiness, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between biochemistry and emotional health.
The Love Molecule shapes our emotions and connections, and even with limited knowledge of the neurochemistry involved, we can appreciate a new layer of understanding about the complexities of love. PEA gives us a fascinating glimpse into the intertwined worlds of science and human emotion.
