Tuesday 18 March 2014

Humans can also overdose and die from chocolate poisoning!



When Augustus attempted to drink the chocolate river in the film, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", he was fortunate that being sent through the extraction chute was his only consequence.
In real life, the situation could have turned a lot more deadly. Generally humans are more concerned during Halloween for their dogs getting sick on the chocolate, but it turns out humans can overdose on chocolate, as well.
Cocoa beans contain a small amount (1.2%) of component called theobromine which if over-consumed can lead to death, especially in the elderly.
Generally, the more processed the chocolate is, the less likely that theobromine poisoning will occur. But for those people who can't help but over indulge in the dark stuff, their is a greater possibility of dangerous side-effects.
Side effects are similar to those in canines--vomiting, nausea, diarrhea which can then lead to more serious issues of seizures, internal bleeding, heart attacks, and even death. So the next time you feel that chocolate craving, indulge it, but not too much.

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