The Brain Bliss Chemical You’ve Never Heard Of

You Should Know: Serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins hog the spotlight when it comes to the feel-good neurotransmitters. But there’s another under-the-radar chemical you might not have heard of: anandamide. Experts call it the “bliss molecule” due to its euphoric effects. In fact, “ananda” means “bliss” in Sanskrit.

Going Deeper: Anandamide is one of two endocannabinoids produced by the brain. It was discovered only recently, in 1992, so its mechanisms aren’t fully understood. Anandamide plays a role in pleasure, reward, and pain perception. Research has found people with higher levels of anandamide tend to experience less fear and anxiety, while those with lower levels are more susceptible to anxiety and PTSD. Certain plants, including cacao, can boost the action of anandamide. (No wonder chocolate can make us feel euphoric.) 

Takeaway: Not surprisingly, people are trying to figure out the best anandamide “hacks” to produce more of it. Early research suggests meditation, acupuncture, and exercise may increase anandamide levels. But these practices also produce endorphins, so it’s hard to parse how much impact anandamide has by itself. 

Bottom Line: Anandamide has potential applications for pain, mental health, and addiction, but most of the research so far has been on rodents, not humans.