Difference between revisions of "Theobromine"
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* there is some evidence that consumption of theobromine by pregnant women may have significant adverse effects on the development of the fetus. Specifically, a study by the National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in Poland found that laboratory animals that ingested large amounts of theobromine and other methyloxanthines showed impaired development of new blood vessels. In addition, the arms and legs of the offspring were stunted in size, and the animals showed several irregularities in immune system function. | * there is some evidence that consumption of theobromine by pregnant women may have significant adverse effects on the development of the fetus. Specifically, a study by the National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in Poland found that laboratory animals that ingested large amounts of theobromine and other methyloxanthines showed impaired development of new blood vessels. In addition, the arms and legs of the offspring were stunted in size, and the animals showed several irregularities in immune system function. | ||
*In addition, theobromine is the chemical that makes chocolate potentially fatal to dogs who are unable to break down the chemical in the liver. This condition, although much rarer, can also occur in predisposed humans. In general, the levels of the methylxanthines in even high quality chocolates are unlikely to cause poisoning in people. Unfortunately, however, supplements containing 20 to 30 times the amount of these chemicals are now commercially available. At these levels, even healthy individuals risk a reaction. | *In addition, theobromine is the chemical that makes chocolate potentially fatal to dogs who are unable to break down the chemical in the liver. This condition, although much rarer, can also occur in predisposed humans. In general, the levels of the methylxanthines in even high quality chocolates are unlikely to cause poisoning in people. Unfortunately, however, supplements containing 20 to 30 times the amount of these chemicals are now commercially available. At these levels, even healthy individuals risk a reaction. | ||
| − | *The source of theobromine also determines its overall benefit to an individual’s health. The high levels of fat and refined sugar in | + | *The source of theobromine also determines its overall benefit to an individual’s health. The high levels of fat and refined sugar in milk chocolate likely overshadow any benefit that the chemical may have on insulin levels and blood pressure. Dark chocolate, however, often contains higher levels of the chemical and lower levels of sugars. In that case, the benefits may balance just enough to allow guilt-free snacking. |
==Benefits and uses of Theobromine are== | ==Benefits and uses of Theobromine are== | ||
Revision as of 13:20, 2 January 2014
Theobromine is the primary alkaloid found in cocoa and chocolate. Cocoa powder can vary in the amount of theobromine, from 2%[12] theobromine to at least 10%. There are usually higher concentrations in dark than in milk chocolate. Theobromine can also be found in small amounts in the kola nut (1.0–2.5%), the guarana berry, Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate), and the tea plant. 1 oz of milk chocolate contains approximately 60 mg of theobromine[15] but 1 oz of dark chocolate contains about 200 mg. Cocoa beans naturally contain approximately 1–4% theobromine. See also : Chocolate
Special Precautions of Theobromine
- there is some evidence that consumption of theobromine by pregnant women may have significant adverse effects on the development of the fetus. Specifically, a study by the National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in Poland found that laboratory animals that ingested large amounts of theobromine and other methyloxanthines showed impaired development of new blood vessels. In addition, the arms and legs of the offspring were stunted in size, and the animals showed several irregularities in immune system function.
- In addition, theobromine is the chemical that makes chocolate potentially fatal to dogs who are unable to break down the chemical in the liver. This condition, although much rarer, can also occur in predisposed humans. In general, the levels of the methylxanthines in even high quality chocolates are unlikely to cause poisoning in people. Unfortunately, however, supplements containing 20 to 30 times the amount of these chemicals are now commercially available. At these levels, even healthy individuals risk a reaction.
- The source of theobromine also determines its overall benefit to an individual’s health. The high levels of fat and refined sugar in milk chocolate likely overshadow any benefit that the chemical may have on insulin levels and blood pressure. Dark chocolate, however, often contains higher levels of the chemical and lower levels of sugars. In that case, the benefits may balance just enough to allow guilt-free snacking.
