Caffeine is not typically dangerous when ingested in modest amounts. However, if you develop negative reactions to it, you might need to consider cutting back or eliminating it altogether. The caffeine in chocolate is no more dangerous than the caffeine in other items, except that you might not be aware of how much you are ingesting. Discuss your chocolate and caffeine intake with your doctor if you have concerns.
Caffeine in Chocolate
You might typically think of coffee, soda and tea as the primary sources of caffeine, but chocolate and cocoa contain it as well. A 100 g serving of dark chocolate with 45 to 59 percent cacao solids contains 43 mg of caffeine, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that a moderate consumption of caffeine is roughly 250 mg each day, which is the equivalent of three 8-oz. cups of coffee. If you drink caffeinated beverages and consume a lot of chocolate, you may unwittingly be ingesting more than you realize. This can have negative effects on your health, particularly if your system is sensitive to caffeine.
Dangers of Caffeine
While a modest amount of caffeine may produce little to no adverse side effects, too much can make you jittery and lead to issues like restlessness and trouble sleeping. If you consume more than 500 to 600 mg of caffeine a day, you may experience symptoms such as muscle tremors, a rapid heart rate, irritability, anxiety, an upset stomach and even insomnia. The caffeine in your chocolate may be contributing to these symptoms, and if so, discuss cutting back with your doctor.
Reducing Your Intake
If you need to lessen the amount of caffeine or chocolate you ingest, first read the labels of all of the beverages and foods you consume. This will give you an estimate of how much caffeine you are getting each day. From there, gradually reduce your intake over the course of several weeks, as cutting back too quickly can cause withdrawal symptoms like headaches, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. With your doctor's approval, you can continue to eat chocolate in modest amounts, but be aware of the amount of caffeine that is in it and stay within a healthy range.
Additional Considerations
Even if chocolate does contain caffeine, it also has beneficial nutrients like calcium, magnesium and potassium. However, chocolate is typically high in calories and sugar, and you should eat it in moderation. If you have health conditions like peptic ulcers or coronary artery disease, your physician might recommend that you reduce your caffeine intake even further than a modest consumption. She can help you determine the amount of caffeine and chocolate that is best for you and your health.
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