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Cocoa beans are the seeds of the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao). The beans are used to make chocolate and are a source of many antioxidants.
Cocoa contains a variety of chemicals, including antioxidants called flavonoids. It's not clear how these might work in the body, but they appear to relax the blood vessels. This could lead to lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation and blockage of blood vessels.
People most commonly use cocoa for heart disease and high blood pressure. It is also used for high cholesterol, memory, aging skin, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dietary cocoa seems to be beneficial for CVD prevention. However, it is unclear if oral cocoa is beneficial for treating CVD.
Login for details - Hypertension. Oral cocoa seems to be beneficial for modestly decreasing blood pressure in hypertensive patients. It is unclear if dietary cocoa is beneficial for preventing hypertension.
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- Hypercholesterolemia. Oral cocoa does not seem to be beneficial for reducing cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Login for details - Stretch marks (striae gravidarum). Topical cocoa butter does not seem to be beneficial for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.
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- Age-related cognitive decline. It is unclear if oral cocoa is beneficial for improving cognitive function in healthy older adults.
Login for details - Aging skin. It is unclear if oral cocoa is beneficial for aging skin.
Login for details - Asthma. Login for details
- Athletic performance. Login for details
- Atrial fibrillation. It is unclear if dietary cocoa is beneficial for preventing atrial fibrillation.
Login for details - Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is unclear if oral cocoa is beneficial for CFS.
Login for details - Cirrhosis. It is unclear if oral cocoa is beneficial for cirrhosis.
Login for details - Cognitive function. Research on the use of oral cocoa for improving cognitive function in healthy adults under the age of 60 is conflicting.
Login for details - Constipation. Oral cocoa husk has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Diabetes. It is unclear if dietary or supplemental cocoa is beneficial for diabetes prevention or treatment.
Login for details - Exercise-induced muscle damage. It is unclear if oral cocoa flavanols are beneficial for preventing exercise-induced muscle damage.
Login for details - Heart failure. It is unclear if dietary cocoa is beneficial for heart failure prevention.
Login for details - HIV/AIDS-related dyslipidemia. It is unclear if oral cocoa is beneficial for HIV/AIDS-related dyslipidemia.
Login for details - Influenza. Login for details
- Insect repellent. It is unclear if topical cocoa oil is beneficial as an insect repellent.
Login for details - Isolated systolic hypertension. It is unclear if oral cocoa is beneficial for isolated systolic hypertension.
Login for details - Menopausal symptoms. It is unclear if oral cocoa is beneficial for menopausal symptoms.
Login for details - Multiple sclerosis (MS). Login for details
- Obesity. It is unclear if oral cocoa is beneficial for obesity.
Login for details - Parkinson disease. It is unclear if oral cocoa is beneficial for Parkinson disease.
Login for details - Peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It is unclear if oral cocoa is beneficial for PAD.
Login for details - Stroke. It is unclear if dietary cocoa is beneficial for stroke prevention.
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When taken by mouth: Eating cocoa is likely safe for most people. But keep in mind that cocoa contains caffeine and related chemicals. Eating large amounts might cause caffeine-related side effects such as nervousness, increased urination, sleeplessness, and a fast heartbeat.
Cocoa can cause allergic skin reactions and might also trigger migraine headaches. It can also cause nausea, stomach discomfort, constipation, and gas.
When applied to the skin: Applying cocoa butter to the skin is likely safe for most people. It can cause a rash in some people.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Cocoa is possibly safe when used in moderate amounts or in amounts commonly found in foods during pregnancy. But be sure to monitor your intake. Consuming cocoa in larger amounts is possibly unsafe because of the caffeine it contains. Caffeine found in cocoa crosses the placenta. High doses of caffeine during pregnancy might increase the risk for premature delivery, low birth weight, and miscarriage. Keep caffeine consumption below 300 mg per day during pregnancy. Chocolate products provide 2-35 mg caffeine per serving, and a cup of hot chocolate provides approximately 10 mg. So these products probably aren't a big concern. But unsweetened, dry cocoa powder can contain up to about 200 mg of caffeine per cupBreast-feeding: Cocoa is possibly safe when used in moderate amounts or in amounts commonly found in foods while breast-feeding. But caffeine is also a concern during breast-feeding. Breast milk concentrations of caffeine are thought to be about half the level of caffeine in the breast-feeding parent. If too much chocolate (16 oz per day) is consumed when breast-feeding, the nursing infant may become irritable and have frequent bowel movements because of the caffeine.
Anxiety: The caffeine in cocoa might make anxiety disorders worse when consumed in large amounts.
Bleeding disorders: Cocoa can slow blood clotting. Consuming a lot of cocoa might increase the risk of bleeding and bruising in people with bleeding disorders.
Heart conditions: Cocoa contains caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa might cause irregular heartbeat in some people and should be used cautiously in people with heart conditions.
Diabetes: Cocoa seems to be able to raise blood sugar levels and might interfere with blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
Diarrhea. Cocoa contains caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa, especially when taken in large amounts, can make diarrhea worse.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Cocoa might make the symptoms of GERD worse.
Glaucoma: Cocoa contains caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa increases pressure in the eye and should be used cautiously in people with glaucoma.
High blood pressure: Cocoa contains caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa might increase blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. But for people who consume caffeine regularly, it might not be a big increase.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Cocoa contains caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa, especially when taken in large amounts, can make diarrhea and IBS symptoms worse.
Migraine headaches: Cocoa might trigger migraines in sensitive people.
Rapid heartbeat: Cocoa from dark chocolate can increase heart rate.
Seizures: Cocoa contains caffeine. High doses of caffeine might cause seizures or decrease the effects of drugs used to prevent seizures. If you have ever had a seizure, don't use high doses of caffeine or caffeine-containing products such as cocoa.
Weak bones (osteoporosis): Cocoa contains caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa might increase how much calcium is released in the urine. People with osteoporosis should limit their intake of cocoa.
Adenosine (Adenocard)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Cocoa contains caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa might block the affects of adenosine (Adenocard). Adenosine (Adenocard) is often used by doctors to do a test on the heart. This test is called a cardiac stress test. Stop taking cocoa or other caffeine-containing products at least 24 hours before a cardiac stress test.
Antibiotics (Quinolone antibiotics)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
The body breaks down caffeine to get rid of it. Some antibiotics might decrease how quickly the body breaks down caffeine. Taking these antibiotics along with cocoa can increase the risk of side effects including jitteriness, headache, increased heart rate, and other side effects.
Some antibiotics that decrease how quickly the body breaks down caffeine include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Chibroxin, Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), trovafloxacin (Trovan), and grepafloxacin (Raxar).
Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
The body breaks down the caffeine in cocoa to get rid of it. Birth control pills can decrease how quickly the body breaks down caffeine. Taking cocoa along with birth control pills can cause jitteriness, headache, fast heartbeat, and other side effects.
Some birth control pills include ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (Triphasil), ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (Ortho-Novum 1/35, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7), and others.
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Cocoa contains caffeine. The body breaks down caffeine to get rid of it. Cimetidine (Tagamet) can decrease how quickly your body breaks down caffeine. Taking cimetidine (Tagamet) along with cocoa might increase the chance of caffeine side effects including jitteriness, headache, fast heartbeat, and others.
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
The body breaks down clozapine (Clozaril) to get rid of it. The caffeine in cocoa seems to decrease how quickly the body breaks down clozapine (Clozaril). Taking cocoa along with clozapine (Clozaril) can increase the effects and side effects of clozapine (Clozaril).
Dipyridamole (Persantine)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Cocoa contains caffeine. The caffeine in cocoa might block the affects of dipyridamole (Persantine). Dipyridamole (Persantine) is often used by doctors to do a test on the heart. This test is called a cardiac stress test. Stop drinking cocoa or other caffeine-containing products at least 24 hours before a cardiac stress test.
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
The body breaks down caffeine to get rid of it. Disulfiram (Antabuse) can decrease how quickly the body gets rid of caffeine. Taking cocoa (which contains caffeine) along with disulfiram (Antabuse) might increase the effects and side effects of caffeine including jitteriness, hyperactivity, irritability, and others.
Ergotamine (Ergomar)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine can increase how much ergotamine (Ergomar) the body absorbs. Taking cocoa along with ergotamine (Ergomar) might increase the effects and side effects of ergotamine.
Estrogens
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
The body breaks down the caffeine in cocoa to get rid of it. Estrogens can decrease how quickly the body breaks down caffeine. Taking caffeine along with estrogens might cause jitteriness, headache, fast heartbeat, and other side effects. If you take estrogens limit your caffeine intake.
Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Cocoa contains caffeine. The body breaks down caffeine to get rid of it. Fluconazole (Diflucan) might decrease how quickly the body gets rid of caffeine. Fluconazole (Diflucan) might cause caffeine to stay in the body too long. Taking cocoa along with fluconazole (Diflucan) might increase the risk of caffeine side effects such as nervousness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Lithium
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
You body naturally gets rid of lithium. The caffeine in cocoa can increase how quickly your body gets rid of lithium. If you take products that contain caffeine and you take lithium, stop taking caffeine products slowly. Stopping caffeine too quickly can increase the side effects of lithium.
Medications for asthma (Beta-adrenergic agonists)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine can stimulate the heart. Some medications for asthma can also stimulate the heart. Taking caffeine with some medications for asthma might cause too much stimulation and cause heart problems.
Some medications for asthma include albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin, Volmax), metaproterenol (Alupent), terbutaline (Bricanyl, Brethine), and isoproterenol (Isuprel).
Medications for depression (MAOIs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine can stimulate the body. Some medications used for depression can also stimulate the body. Consuming cocoa with these medications used for depression might cause too much stimulation. This could cause serious side effects including fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, nervousness, and others.
Some of these medications used for depression include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and others.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Cocoa might increase blood sugar. Diabetes medications are used to lower blood sugar. By increasing blood sugar, cocoa might decrease the effectiveness of diabetes medications. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Mexiletine (Mexitil)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Cocoa contains caffeine. The body breaks down caffeine to get rid of it. Mexiletine (Mexitil) can decrease how quickly the body breaks down caffeine. Taking Mexiletine (Mexitil) along with cocoa might increase the caffeine effects and side effects of cocoa.
Phenylpropanolamine
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
The caffeine in cocoa can stimulate the body. Phenylpropanolamine can also stimulate the body. Taking cocoa along with phenylpropanolamine might cause too much stimulation and increase heartbeat, blood pressure, and cause nervousness.
Theophylline
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Cocoa contains caffeine. Caffeine works in similar ways in the body as theophylline. Caffeine can also decrease how quickly the body gets rid of theophylline. Taking cocoa along with theophylline might increase the effects and side effects of theophylline.
Verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
The body breaks down the caffeine in cocoa to get rid of it. Verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan) can decrease how quickly the body gets rid of caffeine. Taking caffeine along with verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan) can increase the risk of caffeine side effects including jitteriness, headache, and an increased heartbeat.
Bitter orange: Cocoa contains caffeine. Taking bitter orange along with products that contain caffeine, such as cocoa, can increase blood pressure and heart rate in people who have normal blood pressure. This might increase the risk for serious side effects from bitter orange.
Caffeine-containing herbs and supplements: Cocoa contains caffeine. Taking cocoa with herbs and supplements that also contain caffeine might increase the risk of side effects. Some of these herbs include black tea, cola nut, green tea, oolong tea, guarana, mate, and others.
Calcium: High caffeine intake from foods, beverages, and herbs, including cocoa, increases how much calcium the body loses in the urine. This might lower calcium levels.
Echinacea: Cocoa contains caffeine. The body breaks down caffeine to get rid of it. Echinacea might decrease how quickly the body breaks down caffeine. Using echinacea with cocoa might increase the risk of caffeine side effects.
Ephedra: Stimulants speed up the nervous system. Caffeine (contained in cocoa) and ephedra are both stimulants. Taking cocoa along with ephedra might cause too much stimulation and serious side effects and heart problems.
Genistein-containing herbs and supplements: Cocoa contains caffeine. Genistein might decrease how quickly the body breaks down caffeine. Taking cocoa with genistein might increase caffeine levels and side effects. Examples of supplements that contain genistein include cumin, dyer's broom, kudzu, red clover, and soy.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Cocoa might lower blood pressure. Taking it with other supplements that have the same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include andrographis, casein peptides, L-arginine, niacin, and stinging nettle.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Cocoa might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Iron: Cocoa might reduce how much iron the body can absorb from supplements and non-meat foods. But it's not clear if this is a big concern.
Kudzu: Cocoa contains caffeine. The body breaks down caffeine to get rid of it. Kudzu might decrease how quickly the body breaks down caffeine. Using kudzu with cocoa might increase the risk of caffeine side effects.
Magnesium: High caffeine intake from foods, beverages, and herbs, including cocoa, increases how much magnesium the body loses in the urine. This might lower magnesium levels.
Melatonin: Cocoa contains caffeine. Taking caffeine and melatonin together can increase melatonin levels. Caffeine can also increase natural melatonin levels in healthy people.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Many different types of cocoa products are available, including dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and isolated cocoa flavanols (antioxidants). Cocoa oils and cocoa butter creams are also available. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
Cocoa is regularly eaten in chocolate products. Bitter chocolate is produced by pressing roasted cocoa beans between hot rollers. Cocoa powder is produced by squeezing the fat (cocoa butter) from bitter chocolate and powdering the remaining material. Sweet chocolate is produced by adding sugar and vanilla to bitter chocolate. The percentage on a chocolate bar tells you how much sugar has been added. For example, a 70% cocoa bar contains 70% cocoa and 30% sugar.
3,7-dihydro-3,7-dimethyl-1h-purine-2 6-dione, Beurre de Cacao, Cacao, Chocolat, Chocolat Noir, Chocolate, Cocoa Bean, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Oleum, Cocoa Seed, Cocoa Semen, Cocoa Testae, Dark Chocolate, Dutch Chocolate, Fève de Cacao, Graine de Cacao, Theobroma, Theobroma cacao, Theobroma sativum, Theobromine, Théobromine.
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