Generally, cocoa is quite safe for consumption but consuming the food beyond the recommendable limit can trigger some likely side effects. Cocoa powder may possess more side effects than low sugar chocolate, but high sugar white chocolates possess more side effects than cocoa powder. Cocoa powder does not undergo as much heating as dark and white chocolates; therefore they may possess more side effects that processed cocoa products.
Cocoa can be an alternative supplements in so many ways, cocoa can be an important ingredient in the making of vitamin supplements. Cocoa has been helpful in reducing ageing because it reduce the effects of dangerous oxidative materials within the cell, cocoa contains antioxidants that neutralize such damages to the cells and promote new cell growth. Researches are ongoing in the use of cocoa to develop some treatment therapies for diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and many others. Cocoa has continued to remain an important ingredient in several prescription drugs.
Cocoa powder possess some chemicals that work similarly to anti-depressant drugs, medical experts have however warned that the over-consumption of foods containing anti-depressants can lead to some common health problems which include drowsiness, memory loss, confusion, difficulty in breathing, sleep apnea and fatigue. Anti-depressants may also make some health conditions worse than normal. Experts nutritionists suggest that around 2.5g of cocoa powder must be consumed daily in order to benefit from its numerous nutrients and avoid the likely side effects that may come with its excessive consumption.
Consuming cocoa products excessively may also trigger some likely side effects in pregnant women. Pregnant women are often advised to avoid taking more than a bar of chocolate every 1-3 days , and the same rule applies to cocoa powder , cocoa powder used in making cocoa drink must be consumed in moderation by pregnant and nursing mothers in order to avoid some serious child defects
Iron, potassium and sodium are key minerals found in cocoa powder in substantial amount, iron is needed by the body to supply more oxygenated blood to the brain and make it function effectively, sodium is also important in helping the body build strong bones, all these benefits are always available only if the right quantities are consumed and not over-dosage. Excessive amount of calcium for instance can be detrimental to the health of a young baby, it can lead to bone deformation. Cocoa powders should not contribute over 50 calories to your diet at a time. Caffeine is also the concern during the breast feeding. The breast milk concentrations of the caffeine are approximately half a level of caffeine in mother’s blood. In case, mother eats lots of chocolate (16oz per day), nursing infant might become irritable as well as have frequent bowel movements due to caffeine.
Anxiety: There is the concern that caffeine in the large amounts of cocoa may make the anxiety disorders worse.
Diabetes: Cocoa appears to raise the blood sugar levels as well as may interfere with the blood sugar control in the people having diabetes.
Diarrhea: Cocoa has caffeine and caffeine in cocoa, particularly when taken in the large amounts, will worsen diarrhea.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Cocoa appears to hinder effectiveness of valve in food tube, which keeps contents of stomach to come back in food tube or airway. This can make symptoms of the GERD worse.
Migraines & headaches: Cocoa may trigger the migraines in many sensitive people.
Irritable bowel syndrome: Cocoa has caffeine. Caffeine in cocoa, particularly when taken in the large amounts, will worsen diarrhea & may worsen the symptoms of IBS.
Surgery: Cocoa may interfere with the blood sugar control during surgical procedures.
Consuming cocoa powder in moderation also has an extensive list of benefits. Ultimately, if you’re concerned about the side effects of Cocoa Powder you should seek the advice of a doctor.