FOOD 2010 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Transient Receptor Potential Channel, Trpv, Theobromine

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Food Science
• Course: FOOD 2010
• Professor: Massimo Marcone

Document Summary

Sugar and fat are the two main components of chocolate. They are important in the activation of neurotransmitter systems which start the production and release of chemicals like dopamine and endogenous opioids (i. e. endorphins) in the brain. Dopamine is known as the "feel good" hormone in the body. Pea encourages the release of dopamine in the brain as well. Dopamine increases blood flow in human organs, and increases the feeling of attraction and excitement, therefore, increases sexual desire and function. Chilli peppers also give a similar "feel good" effect on the body as they contain capsaocin and dihydrocapsaocin which enduce the release of endorphins. This allows the body to have a feeling of euphoria. Both chocolate and chilli peppers are considered to be aphrodisiacs, which means that they arouse sexual desire and also enhances one"s sexual performance. Not only does chocolate and chilli peppers release endorphins which increases sexual arousal, but they also both help alleviate anxiety.