Foods Containing Theobromine

Theobromine is a nonaddictive, naturally occurring substance with mild effects on the human body. While its sources are mostly limited to cocoa-containing foods, theobromine is easily obtainable at any grocery store, restaurant or fast-food drive-through.

Chocolate

• Theobromine is primarily found in cocoa beans, and thus in chocolate. The highest levels of theobromine are found in dark chocolates (around 10g/kg), and the levels are drastically cut in milk chocolates (2-5g/kg). Chocolate foods highest in theobromine levels are dry powder cocoa and unsweetened baking chocolate.

Foods

• Theobromine is obtained through any food containing chocolate. This includes pudding, syrup, candy, cereal, drinks and cookies. Even fast-food shakes and sundaes contain theobromine, as long as they contain chocolate. It can also be found in tea (black, unsweetened) and cola nuts.

Facts

• Theobromine is a phytochemical originating in plants and containing disease-preventive properties. While theobromine is not harmful to humans, it is highly toxic when ingested by domestic animals, such as dogs and horses. In animals, theobromine can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and seizures.

Function

• The effects of theobromine are similar to caffeine, however theobromine is about 10 times weaker than caffeine and does not affect the central nervous system. Theobromine has stimulant properties, as well as diuretic and relaxing effects. Theobromine can dilate the blood vessels and lower blood pressure, and can also relax bronchi muscles in the lungs, being used as a cough medicine.

Effects

• While theobromine is a stimulant, its effects are mild. Theobromine has a long-lasting mild effect with a slow onset. It's not addictive and causes almost no allergies. Theobromine can work as a mild antidepressant and a mild diuretic, stimulate the kidneys and act as a stimulant of the cardiovascular and muscular systems.