Most commonly known for its function in the nervous system, phenethylamine plays a role as a neurotransmitter. As such, it has stimulant effects on the brain and functions in the neurochemistry of the body. With such intricate utilities, phenylethylamine has a positive effect on the body that can be used to elicit positive health benefits.
What is Phenylethylamine?
Phenylethylamine, otherwise known as PEA, is a naturally occurring alkaloid. The alkaloid’s primary function is to serve as a neuromodulator or neurotransmitter. As such, it serves as an effective stimulant that is generally associated with elevating mood and promoting feelings of wellbeing.
While the exact processing of phenylethylamine is not quite understood, research suggests that it functions as a chemical “messenger.” The “messenger” signals the release of such hormones as dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals are tied to sexual drive, feelings of pleasure, increased heart rate, and the fight-or-flight response. Working together, these chemicals trigger many of the positive feelings including sexual desire, euphoria, and giddiness.
The medicinal benefit of phenylethylamine lies within these triggered chemical responses. Consuming foods or even supplements containing large amounts of PEA has positive effects and psychological benefits. Such benefits boost mood and treat a wide range of conditions.
Health Benefits of PEA
With its natural stimulatory effects, PEA is used to treat a number of emotional and psychological disorders. The stimulant is also effective for treating issues of the cardiovascular system as the chemical increases heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow.
Phenylethylamine is considered an effective treatment for conditions such as depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Parkinson’s disease. Supplements of PEA can also be used to treat chronic pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and vitiligo.
Found in such foods as meat, fish, eggs, cheese, milk, and chocolate, PEA is an essential amino acid that aids in treating a wide variety of conditions.
