Chocolate and Theobromine

Theobromine is found in products of the cocoa tree, theobroma cacao. Theobromine is similar similarl,but much milder tuan caffeine. Theobromine is mildly diuretic, is a mild stimulant, and relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi in the lungs. Because of its ability to dilate blood vessels, theobromine also has been used to treat high blood pressure.

Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine. In general, theobromine levels are higher in dark chocolates than in milk chocolates. Higher quality chocolate tends to contain more theobromine than lower quality chocolate. Cocoa beans naturally contain approximately 300-1200 mg/ounce theobromine.

Cocoa and chocolate products may be toxic or lethal to dogs and other domestic animals such as horses because these animals metabolize theobromine more slowly than humans. Read more about the dangers of Theobromine for dogs,