Riya Baibhawi

Can Chocolate Kill You? Discover The Truth About Its Toxic Side

We will all eventually die. But can an excess of our most favourite foods like coffee, <span>chocolate</span> and wine kill us? The answer is yes! A recent study has claimed that 70 cups of coffee, 13 consecutive shots of alcohol or 85 full-size chocolate bars at once are all enough to send an average person to their grave.

However, not everyone agrees with the research. Opponents say that excess of chocolate can do serious harm to our health but it cannot kill us. Health experts have time and again warned that there is certainly a toxic dose of chocolate which can be fatal. However, if consumed, a person is more likely to wind up in the emergency room with a severely upset stomach (likely with vomiting). So the conclusion is it is almost impossible for a person to die from a chocolate overdose, but it is possible in several extreme cases.

The cocoa bean, from which chocolate is made, contains a substance called <span>theobromine</span>, which is a plant alkaloid with a slightly bitter taste. For human bodies, theobromine is, at most, a mild stimulant, acting similar to caffeine.

It is also a vasodilator, meaning it can open up your blood vessels and cause your blood pressure to drop. Besides, it is also a diuretic, so you could feel the urge to urinate more often.

<h2>Does Theobromine Have The Same Effect As Caffeine?</h2>

Another very interesting thing about theobromine is that it also breaches the brain-blood barrier, the semi-permeable layer of blood capillaries that allows only certain substances into the brain. like caffeine, theobromine crosses the blood-brain barrier and binds to adenosine receptors. However, it is not as effective as caffeine.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in August 2013 suggested that despite its structural similarity to caffeine, theobromine does not provide the same benefits for mood and alertness. Researchers tested the effects of different doses of theobromine—ranging from 100 mg to 400 mg—on 24 young men. Participants consumed cocoa-based or non-cocoa beverages with theobromine or caffeine and then completed mood assessments and a two-hour visual vigilance test. The study found that while caffeine (100 mg) significantly reduced fatigue and increased energy, theobromine did not have any consistent effect, even at higher doses.

<h2>What Are The Health Benefits Of Chocolate? </h2>

Chocolate is a product made out of cocoa beans, which are in turn, the fruit of Theobroma cacao tree. According to Johns Hopkins University, dark chocolate has flavanols which prevent the immune system from going into overdrive. Research has shown that it has a positive impact on brain function too. It not only boosts the reaction time, and visual-spatial awareness but also aids a stronger memory.

A lesser-known fact about chocolate is that its smell is capable of relaxing people. It is a scientific fact that the mere scent of chocolate increases theta brain waves, which in turn triggers relaxation.

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Chocolate

Chocolate toxicity

Theobromine

Chocolate health benefits

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We will all eventually die. But can an excess of our most favourite foods like coffee, chocolate and wine kill us? The answer is yes! A recent study has claimed that 70 cups of coffee, 13 consecutive shots of alcohol or 85 full-size chocolate bars at once are all enough to send an average person to their grave.However, not everyone agrees with the research. Opponents say that excess of chocolate can do serious harm to our health but it cannot kill us. Health experts have time and again warned that there is certainly a toxic dose of chocolate which can be fatal. However, if consumed, a person is more likely to wind up in the emergency room with a severely upset stomach (likely with vomiting). So the conclusion is it is almost impossible for a person to die from a chocolate overdose, but it is possible in several extreme cases.What Makes Chocolate Toxic?The cocoa bean, from which chocolate is made, contains a substance called theobromine, which is a plant alkaloid with a slightly bitter taste. For human bodies, theobromine is, at most, a mild stimulant, acting similar to caffeine.It is also a vasodilator, meaning it can open up your blood vessels and cause your blood pressure to drop. Besides, it is also a diuretic, so you could feel the urge to urinate more often.Does Theobromine Have The Same Effect As Caffeine?Another very interesting thing about theobromine is that it also breaches the brain-blood barrier, the semi-permeable layer of blood capillaries that allows only certain substances into the brain. like caffeine, theobromine crosses the blood-brain barrier and binds to adenosine receptors. However, it is not as effective as caffeine.A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in August 2013 suggested that despite its structural similarity to caffeine, theobromine does not provide the same benefits for mood and alertness. Researchers tested the effects of different doses of theobromine—ranging from 100 mg to 400 mg—on 24 young men. Participants consumed cocoa-based or non-cocoa beverages with theobromine or caffeine and then completed mood assessments and a two-hour visual vigilance test. The study found that while caffeine (100 mg) significantly reduced fatigue and increased energy, theobromine did not have any consistent effect, even at higher doses.What Are The Health Benefits Of Chocolate? Chocolate is a product made out of cocoa beans, which are in turn, the fruit of Theobroma cacao tree. According to Johns Hopkins University, dark chocolate has flavanols which prevent the immune system from going into overdrive. Research has shown that it has a positive impact on brain function too. It not only boosts the reaction time, and visual-spatial awareness but also aids a stronger memory.A lesser-known fact about chocolate is that its smell is capable of relaxing people. It is a scientific fact that the mere scent of chocolate increases theta brain waves, which in turn triggers relaxation.