The theobromine is a bitter alkaloid that is most famously found in the cacao plant, but is also present in coffee beans.
An alkaloid is a nitrogenous organic compound that is found in plants. They often have pharmacological effects on the human body and they are often bitter in taste. It is also found in the leaves of the tea plant and the kola nut. In this article we'll be discussing the theobromine found in coffee beans.
The Chemistry
The theobromine molecule has the chemical formula C7H8N4O2. It is classified as a xanthine alkaloid, which are a class of compounds that also includes caffeine and theophylline.
The theobromine molecule is very similar to the caffeine molecule, but it has one more oxygen atom. The theobromine molecule is also slightly larger than the caffeine molecule.
The Coffee Bean
The theobromine content in green (unroasted) coffee beans is about 1%. This means that there is roughly 10mg of theobromine in a cup of coffee.
The theobromine found in coffee beans is water soluble. This means that it can be extracted from the beans using hot water. Relative to caffeine, the aqueous theobromine extract from coffee beans is about 60% as potent as the same amount of caffeine.
Other Foods that Contain Theobromine
Theobromine is found in the cacao plant, which means that it is also found in chocolate. The theobromine content of chocolate can vary depending on the type of chocolate. For example, dark chocolate has a higher theobromine content than milk chocolate. The theobromine content of white chocolate is very low.
The theobromine content of tea leaves is about 0.3%. This means that there is roughly 3mg of theobromine in a cup of tea.
The theobromine content of the kola nut is about 2%. This means that there is about 20mg of theobromine in a kola nut.
The theobromine content of the coffee bean is about 1%. This means that there is about 10mg of theobromine in a cup of coffee.
The theobromine content of the chocolate is about 0.1%. This means that there is about 1mg of theobromine in a piece of chocolate.
Impact of Fermentation and Roasting
The theobromine content in coffee beans is reduced by fermentation. This is because the theobromine is broken down by the microorganisms, which are present in the coffee cherries, during fermentation.
The theobromine content of coffee beans is also affected by roasting. Roasting the beans reduces the theobromine content. Essentially, some of it gets lost in the smoke and fumes that are emitted during the roasting process.
More lightly roasted beans will have higher theobromine levels than darker roasted beans.
Effect on the Body
The theobromine found in coffee beans has a range of effects on the human body. It is a central nervous system stimulant, which means that it can increase alertness and energy levels. It can also improve mood and cognitive function.
At low doses, the theobromine found in coffee beans can act as a vasodilator. This means that it can widen the blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure.
At high doses, the theobromine found in coffee beans can act as a diuretic. This means that it can increase urine output.
It can also have an impact on the heart. It can increase the heart rate and the force of contraction.
Finally, it can impact on the respiratory system. It can stimulate the bronchi, which can help to clear the lungs.
The impact on overall health is largely dependent on the dose. For example, at low doses the theobromine found in coffee beans can be beneficial for health, but at high doses it can be harmful.
Theobromine vs Caffeine
It is important to note that the theobromine found in coffee beans is not as potent as the caffeine. This means that it takes a higher dose of theobromine to produce the same effects as caffeine.
It's also not as well absorbed by the body as caffeine. This means that the effects are not felt as quickly as the effects of caffeine.
The theobromine found in coffee beans is broken down by the liver. This means that it has a shorter half-life than caffeine.
Summary
The theobromine found in coffee beans has a range of effects on the human body. It is a central nervous system stimulant, which means that it can increase alertness and energy levels. It can also improve mood and cognitive function. At high doses, the theobromine found in coffee beans can act as a diuretic.
FAQ
How is theobromine metabolized?
The theobromine found in coffee beans is metabolized by the liver.
Is theobromine toxic to dogs?
Yes, theobromine is toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.
Is theobromine the same as caffeine?
No, theobromine is not the same as caffeine. Theobromine is not as potent as caffeine and it's also not as well absorbed by the body.
How is theobromine formed?
The theobromine found in coffee beans is formed during the roasting process.
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