Caffeine is a drug. It's the only drug, other than quinine, that's naturally present or added commercially to a wide range of food and drinks, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. It is a mildly addicting drug, which is why many manufacturers add it to their products. Though not as powerful as coffee, tea, soft drinks or energy drinks, dark chocolate contains significant amounts of caffeine.
Contents
Dark chocolate contains the highest amount of cocoa beans than other chocolate products and that's where the caffeine is located. Dark chocolate also is sold under the labels "bittersweet" or "semisweet." To be considered dark chocolate, a product usually contains at least 60 percent cocoa solids and it is made with very little sugar, according to the University of Michigan Health Systems. The Center for Science in the Public Interest reports that a 1.45 oz. serving of dark chocolate can contain as much as 31g of caffeine, compared to 133 g in a generic cup of coffee.
Benefits
Many benefits may be gleaned from eating a small amount of dark chocolate every day. According to the University of Michigan Health Systems, dark chocolate can improve blood flow and help prevent blood clots. Caffeine is a metabolism booster, so it is an effective snack to eat when you're on a diet. Additionally, dark chocolate reduces LDL, or the "bad" cholesterol, can improve your mood because of its serotonin-boosting properties and lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate also contains vitals nutrients such as magnesium, potassium and calcium.
Side Effects
The measurable amounts of caffeine in dark chocolate can have detrimental side effects as well. It can cause anxiety, headaches, insomnia and urinary tract infections. There is a diuretic component in caffeine that can cause you to lose vital electrolytes through increased urination. Caffeine increases stomach acid and may exacerbate digestive disorders. It can increase blood sugar levels and should be avoided if you have hypoglycemia.
Amounts
According to MayoClinic.com, you don't need to eat an entire chocolate bar to glean the benefits of the flavonoids and caffeine in the candy. Dark chocolate still contains fat and calories that can lead to weight gain and the excess caffeine can result in numerable side effects. One ounce, about one square of a typically candy bar that contains about 30 calories, is sufficient to give you the healthy antioxidants and flavonoids in dark chocolate, according to University of Michigan.
Member Comments