is a naturally occurring bitter alkaloid most prominently found in cocoa beans. A metabolite of caffeine, theobromine shares some of the common effects of the household stimulant. Compared to caffeine, theobromine has a much gentler stimulating effect. This is because it lingers longer in our bodies before being metabolized. This results in rather than the all too familiar caffeine crash many experience.
Before we see mochas as the superhero of coffee beverages, we need a closer look at theobromine. Interestingly, this compound is the reason why we can鈥檛 share chocolate bars with our . While the mild traces of caffeine in chocolate should not go unnoticed, it is really the theobromine that is toxic. It is by our furry friends, meaning that it stays longer in their bodies than in ours. Theobromine stimulates the pets鈥� central nervous and cardiovascular systems, which leads to symptoms such as wheezing and vomiting.
Now may be the time for our pet readers to stop reading this article. While your support is appreciated, you may not enjoy the praise theobromine is about to receive.
While the stimulation and pleasure theobromine provides can stand alone, recently published research points to an even greater benefit of the compound: . Until recently, theobromine鈥檚 effects on human health and aging were not entirely understood, let alone its mechanisms of action. The key to theobromine鈥檚 anti-aging benefit may lie in the alkaloid鈥檚 ability to influence epigenetic processes. Epigenetics refers to the way that our shapes gene expression. These changes are not to be confused with mutations, as epigenetic changes are reversible. Epigenetic processes can be carried out through several ways, but in the context of theobromine, we will just focus on one: DNA methylation.
occurs when a molecular fragment called a methyl group (-CH3) is added to our DNA. This process typically turns a gene off and can be reversed through a process called DNA demethylation. What鈥檚 more, DNA methylation is associated with various diseases as well as with aging. Interestingly, recent research has linked coffee and cocoa to DNA methylation, uncovering an untapped goldmine in epigenetic research.
A published in April of 2025, found a significant association between theobromine levels and slower epigenetic aging. These findings were most pronounced when using the GrimAge epigenetic clock 鈥� which looks specifically at one鈥檚 time-to-death.
But what about other health functions? Theobromine is not shy. It has full body benefits. In the brain, after penetrating the blood-brain barrier, the compound can work as an adenosine receptor antagonist, an effect that is significant in determining cognitive function. Theobromine blocks adenosine receptors from binding with adenosine. This not only promotes feelings of wakefulness but suggests that it may provide protection against age-related diseases such as Alzheimer鈥檚 and Parkinson鈥檚 disease.
Theobromine also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In the immune system specifically, the molecule stimulates immune system-promoting factors which reduce the risk of inflammation-related diseases such as dermatitis and arthritis. Additionally, theobromine has been seen to decrease instances of kidney stones and promote weight loss through promoting fat metabolism in certain individuals.
There really is a case to be made for the health benefits of theobromine 鈥� but what is the best way to consume it? For the average person, an acceptable daily intake is in the range of . One large square of dark chocolate (28 grams) contains听about 130 milligrams of theobromine. The catch here is that the chocolate must be 70-85% cocoa. So, none of that sweet milk chocolate!听Consuming theobromine in either form avoids the sugar that is present in chocolate. However, if you do opt for the sweeter option, a good rule of thumb is the darker the chocolate, the more theobromine there is.
Let this be the push you need to get a chocolate fountain for your next birthday party! Just make sure you ask for dark chocolate.
Eva Kellner is a recent graduate from the Faculty of Arts and Science, with a major in Environment. Her research interests include urban green spaces, urban agriculture, and outdoor community spaces - all as promoters of climate resilience among city-dwellers.
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