Theobromine, a compound you might not be familiar with by name, but you’ve undoubtedly enjoyed its effects if you’re a fan of chocolate. Unraveling Theobromine Theobromine is an alkaloid, a class of naturally occurring compounds containing mostly basic nitrogen atoms. It’s structurally quite similar to caffeine and is found predominantly in cacao beans from which chocolate is made. Also, it’s present in smaller quantities in tea leaves, kola nuts, and some other plant species. Theobromine belongs to a class of organic compounds known as xanthines, known for their stimulant properties. However, its effects are milder and longer-lasting compared to caffeine. Theobromine stimulates the heart to a greater degree than caffeine while also stimulating the smooth muscles (such as those in the lungs) to a lesser degree. Theobromine in Foods While cacao beans and products derived from them, such as dark chocolate and cocoa powder, are the most abundant sources of theobromine, it’s also present in varying quantities in other foods. A small 50g bar of dark chocolate (70-85% cocoa) can contain up to 810mg of theobromine3. Contrastingly, a 240ml cup of black tea contains approximately 1mg4. Interestingly, theobromine’s concentration in chocolate depends on the processing and preparation of the cocoa beans. Dark chocolate generally contains a higher amount of theobromine compared to milk chocolate due to its higher cocoa content. Furthermore, cooking or processing foods can sometimes reduce their theobromine content. Theobromine: The Good and the Bad The consumption of moderate amounts of theobromine can have several health benefits. It may aid heart health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and improving blood flow and cholesterol levels. There’s even research indicating that it might improve mood and cognitive function. However, consuming too much theobromine can lead to theobromine poisoning, also known as “chocolate poisoning,” which can cause restlessness, a fast heart rate, and sleeplessness. But don’t worry, a person would need to consume around 1000mg of theobromine per kg of their body weight to reach toxic levels. Given that a typical bar of dark chocolate contains less than 1000mg of theobromine, it’s extremely unlikely that a person could eat enough chocolate to experience theobromine poisoning. #FoodForThought #Nutrition #FoodSafety Find out more at https://alitudos.hr/
