Side Effects of Eating Chocolate

Side Effects of Eating Chocolate

Despite the wealth of positive media coverage dark chocolate has received for its myriad of health benefits, an article in “USA Today” states more research is needed before you start overindulging on this treat. Chocolate contains large amounts of butter, sugar and cream, which can break your diet. If you rely on the occasional piece of chocolate to alleviate stress or satisfy a craving, that’s fine, but consuming too much can have adverse health effects.

1.Watch Your Caffeine

The caffeine in chocolate ranges from 6 milligrams in 1 ounce of milk chocolate to 23 milligrams in dark chocolate, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. Most people can safely consume 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine daily, according to Michigan State University. You would have to eat a lot of chocolate to reach that amount, but when you add caffeine from chocolate to other daily sources, such as coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks, your total consumption can quickly accumulate. Because it’s a stimulant, too much caffeine may make you feel jittery or anxious and interfere with a good night’s sleep. Michigan State University also reports that high caffeine consumption is associated with loss of bone density and dehydration.

2.Weight Gain and Heart Disease

Negative Side Effects of Chocolate

Consuming chocolate can cause weight gain. Photo Credit CandyBox Images/iStock/Getty Images

One bar of milk chocolate that has 1.55 ounces or 44 grams, contains 235 calories, 13 grams of fat, 8 of which come from saturated fat, and 221 grams of sugar. One ounce of dark chocolate, or 28.35 grams, contains 156 calories, 9 grams of fat, 5 from saturated fat, and 13 grams of sugar. Saturated fat elevates blood cholesterol, which puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke. The added sugar in chocolate has no nutritional value, which can cause weight gain and heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. If you’re going to indulge in chocolate, Alice Lichtenstein, a professor at Tufts University recommends that you cut out other treats on that day or that you walk an additional 30 minutes to counteract the additional calories you’re getting.

3.Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Chocolate contains caffeine and is also very acidic. Caffeine is a bowel stimulant, which can worsen symptoms of irritable bowel disease or diarrhea. Acidic foods, on the other hand, can cause an increase in stomach acid, which can result in heartburn, acid reflux or inflammation of an existing stomach ulcer. If you struggle with gastroesophageal reflux disease or peptic ulcer disease, you might find that chocolate tastes good going down, but brings regret once it hits your stomach.

4.Diabetes and Cavities

Negative Side Effects of Chocolate

Chocolate can contribute to tooth decay and diabetes. Photo Credit Predrag Novakovic/iStock/Getty Images

One milk chocolate bar has 26 grams of carbohydrates and 1 ounce of dark chocolate has 17 grams, most of which is from sugars or refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates can cause spikes in your blood sugar, which can make your body resistant to insulin over time and may lead to Type 2 diabetes. The excess sugar may also send you to the dentist more often than you’d like with tooth decay and cavities.

5.High Potassium

Chocolate is high in potassium. For most people, this is not a problem. But those with adrenal disease or kidney disease need to watch their intake of high-potassium foods to avoid elevated levels of the mineral in their blood. A 2 oz. piece of chocolate contains more then 200 mg of potassium. Therefore, if you have a condition that requires you to restrict the potassium in your diet, chocolate is not the treat for you.