Revelations at work

Here's something weird about me that I just started recently. I've given up caffeine. I really didn't know why because I should be giving up something more conducive to loosing weight like... chocolate.

My boss Brian asked me why I gave up caffeine. My response was that it seemed easier than giving up chocolate. He seemed convinced that chocolate has caffeine in it...

Well, thankfully he was wrong.

Chocolate, specifically the cacao that is its base, has a compound called Theobromine. It's the active ingredient that is similar to caffeine and is also a stimulant, but is slightly different and has different effects.

Here are the differences between the two:


THEOBROMINE: gentle mild effect; very slow onset; long lasting; increases feeling of well being; mild antidepressant; gentle, smooth, sensual stimulation; stimulates cardiovascular system; stimulates muscular system; mild effect on central nervous system; almost no one is allergic; not addictive; no withdrawal symptoms; mild diuretic; stimulates the the kidneys

As opposed to caffeine

CAFFEINE: intense; strong effect; fast acting; rapid dissipation; increases alertness; increases emotional stress; jagged, nervous stimulation; stimulates cardiovascular system; stimulates respiratory system; strong effect on central nervous system; many people allergic; physically addictive; many proven withdrawal symptoms; extreme diuretic requires large intake of fluids to balance the diuretic effect

See? Very different. The old adage is true, you learn something new every day.

And after reading all of those effects of caffeine, I'm kind of glad I gave it up. Even though Mountain Dew is my all time favorite soda. Maybe I'll see if I can find a Diet Caffeine Free version... but then again, what would be the point?


~Nate-O