Hazards of Cocoa Powder
Disease description:
I’m getting older, my health isn’t great, and I have high cholesterol. I visited a doctor who prescribed some medication. Upon checking the ingredients, I noticed cocoa powder is listed—yet I’m unsure whether it causes any side effects. Could you please explain the potential risks or harms associated with cocoa powder?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Potential health risks associated with cocoa powder include the following:
1. Cocoa powder contains high levels of alkaloids, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract; excessive consumption may easily damage the stomach and impair normal gastrointestinal function.
2. It may cause nervous system stimulation, potentially leading to anxiety or nervous tension in individuals with heightened neural sensitivity.
3. Consumption of cocoa powder during pregnancy may increase the risk of fetal malformations.
