You will note in my header that there is a chemical structure labeled “chocolate”. This is actually a misnomer of the displayed molecule. Chocolate is a complex organic compound that comprises hundreds (probably thousands) of different chemicals. What is actually dispalyed in my banner above the label of “chocolate” is Theobromine. Theobromine is the component of chocolate that gives you that “chocolate high”, and makes you feel really good.

For those who are especially observant, you will note that the display image for caffeine is nearly identical to that of theobromine (chocolate). In fact, the compounds are closely related. Theobromine (found in chocolate), Theophylline (found in tea), and Caffeine (found in coffee and tea) are part of a class of chemicals known as Xanthines, or methylxanthines, and they all have very similar chemical structures. However, they are different chemicals and they behave differently in the body. For example, while Theobromine gives a mild, long-lasting, relaxing stimulation, Caffeine gives a sharper, more jittery stimulation, that is intense and of shorter duration.

Theophylline, which is found naturally in green and black tea, has also been synthisized by the pharmaceutical industry, and is widely used as an anti-asthma mediacation. Theobromine is poisonous to dogs and cats, as well as some other animals. It can cause aryythmia and heart palpatations, which are often lethal to the animal. Don’t feed chocolate to your pets. A couple of oreo’s won’t hurt, but a pound of chocolate can cause some real damage.