Could chocolate be making you sick?
Well the short answer is yes, sorry to say. Experiencing symptoms such as migraine, headaches, fatigue, stomach cramps/pain! These could be symptoms of a reaction to ingredients found in chocolate. Chocolate can come in many different forms, from dark chocolate, drinking chocolate, cocoa and raw cacao based products.
Cocoa, is the component that gives chocolate its taste. It has a long history, being enjoyed since ancient times as early as 1500BC by ancient Mayan and Olmec civilizations. It was consumed as an aromatic, bitter drink and also used as a medicine. But since those times the preparation of cocoa into the chocolate we now enjoy has change.
The main ingredient used to make chocolate as we know it is cocoa or cacao, the unprocessed form of cocoa. Cocoa is derived from the cacao tree, a tropical rainforest plant. The seeds produced from the tree are harvested, fermented, dried or roasted. The end result is typically mixed with milk or milk solids, cocoa butter or vegetable fats and sugar.
Health wise, the more cocoa in the chocolate, the higher the caffeine level and all other nutrients derived from cocoa, such as antioxidants. Chocolate that contains more milk will offer a higher calcium level.
Positive health benefits associated with chocolate
The potentially valuable health benefits derived from cocoa include cardio-protection, anti-diabetic action, stress reduction, anti-inflammatory and even support recovery after exercise. The health pluses from eating cocoa and cocoa- based products come mainly from the antioxidant content – flavonoids particularly (polyphenols), which provide defence against free-radical damage.
Other components include:
- caffeine and theobromine, which are central nervous system stimulants, smooth muscle relaxants, and a have a diuretic action
- valeric acid, which aids in stress reduction
- nutrients - vitamin E, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and plant phytochemicals
Other flavonoid-rich plant-based products include berries, fruit, wine and tea. Numerous studies have indicated the flavonoid-rich foods and beverages may offer a cardioprotective role in health. This includes lowering blood pressure, reducing oxidative stress, increased vasodilation and stress reduction.
So now we know some of the good stuff you can enjoy from chocolate.
Following are some of the negatives experienced from chocolate that you may not realize could be affecting your health.
Possible health risks of chocolate
- Allergic reactions
- Sensitivity
- Intolerances
- Heartburn
- Acne
- Obesity
- Dental issues
- Migraines
Allergy
An allergic reaction to cocoa will create symptoms such as hives, breathing difficulties, throat/ tongue/lip swellings, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps or a cough. These symptoms can be a sign of anaphylaxis and be life threatening and medical help should be sought immediately.
Allergy is considered an immune system response to a supposed threat.
Sensitivity/Intolerances. All foods are made of natural occurring compounds of which some can have a negative effect on health for some people, depending on the level of sensitivity and how much is consumed.
Unlike allergy, sensitivities are not life threatening and can easily be managed by monitoring intake.
- Amines. Biogenic amines are produced from the breakdown of proteins in foods. Sensitivity to amines can affect mental functioning, blood pressure, body temperature and be associated with migraines and headaches, irritable bowel symptoms, eczema and depression. The amine found in chocolate is called phenylethylamine. Normally amines are broken down quickly by the body, but for some people the enzymes needed for this process are missing, sluggish or blocked leading to a build-up in the body, resulting in symptoms.
- Chocolate/cocoa. Symptoms can include bloating, gas, cramps, stomach upsets and constipation; headaches, or skin problems (hives, acne).
- Caffeine. You may react to the caffeine in cocoa. Symptoms of nervousness, anxiety, irritability and dizziness. You may experience digestive upsets – such as diarrhoea, nausea, and pain; you may experience headaches, have an increased heart rate or have trouble sleeping. These symptoms may occur with the consumption of other caffeine related foods and drinks.
Migraines. People suffer from migraines for all sorts of reasons, one of which is too much caffeine. Chocolate could be implicated here due to the high caffeine content of cocoa.
Obesity is associated with detrimental health conditions such a diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and dyslipidaemia. Chocolate in itself is not to blame here. Obesity is more about making poor eating choices and a sedentary lifestyle. Should you eat too much chocolate if you are over-weight? The answer is no, as with too much of any food.
Dental carries are caused from eating high amounts of sugar, so again too much chocolate, as with any sugar containing foods, could be causing tooth cavities. Practice good dental hygiene habits to help prevent tooth decay.
Heartburn. The caffeine and theobromine found in chocolate may trigger reflux. This is due to intestinal cells being stimulated to release serotonin, resulting in the oesophageal sphincter relaxing, and acid rising into the oesophagus. Cocoa is acidic and may increase symptoms of reflux.
Acne is associated with the consumption of high-glycaemic index carbohydrates - only a problem if too much is consumed.
The bottom line...
If you are wanting the health benefits associated with cocoa, you are better off enjoying a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for their many antioxidants and only enjoy chocolate in moderation.
References
- https://www.myvmc.com/lifestyles/chocolate-and-health/
- Cocoa antioxidants and cardiovascular health https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/81/1/298S/4607596
- A low-glycemic-load diet improves symptoms in acne vulgaris patients: a randomized controlled trial https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/86/1/107/4633089
- Overview of scientific evidence for chocolate health benefits https://setac.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ieam.1594
- Relationship between Cocoa Intake and Healthy Status: A Pilot Study in University Students. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30813439
- Chocolate allergy vs. chocolate sensitivity https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317775.php
- https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/chocolate-and-acid-reflux#risks-and-warnings
- https://www.fedup.com.au/factsheets/additive-and-natural-chemical-factsheets/amines
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional.