Chocolate—our go-to treat for sweet cravings and happiness boosts—might be hiding a dark side. While a little indulgence can brighten your day, consuming too much could lead to serious health risks—or even be fatal. The culprit? Theobromine, a compound found in chocolate, which can have harmful effects in excessive amounts. But how much is too much? Could your love for chocolate turn deadly? Discover the shocking truth behind this sweet danger!
Based on general knowledge, consuming too much chocolate can lead to diabetes and tooth decay.
In high amounts, theobromine can be lethal. Dr. Naveed Saleh explains, 'Theobromine affects the nervous system, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system (e.g., vasodilation) and causes excessive urination. At very high doses, symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, tremors, loss of appetite, severe headaches, and low blood pressure can occur.'
For instance, a person weighing around 68 kg would need to consume about 68,000 mg of theobromine to experience poisoning.
White chocolate contains less theobromine, while milk chocolate (2.4 mg per gram), dark chocolate (5.5 mg per gram), and baking chocolate (16 mg per gram) have higher levels.'