What is PEA?

PEA stands for phenylethylamine. It's a molecule known for enhancing the activity of neural circuits associated with the pleasure system. PEA can be stimulated by certain foods like dark chocolate and some artificial sweeteners, and it's also available in supplement form. This molecule heightens the perception of pleasure by modestly increasing the impact of serotonin and dopamine.

For example, if a typical experience provides a moderate pleasure level, ingesting PEA before the experience can elevate the perceived pleasure level significantly. Although it's not a strong stimulant like certain drugs, it does provide mild stimulant effects along with increased pleasure perception. However, it's important to note that Dr. Andrew Huberman does not recommend using PEA or similar compounds without careful consideration 1 1 .