The main problem with evening consumption of dark chocolate is not its calorie content. Many Ukrainians who watch their figure and health choose dark chocolate as a "safe" alternative to candies. Can you eat dark chocolate after 6 PM, and what can it lead to? Onet explains.
What Is the Hidden Danger of Dark Chocolate
A well-known sports nutritionist from Poland, Marcin Jakowiak, has issued a warning that will make you rethink your evening habits. It turns out that even a tiny piece of this dessert before bed can turn your night into a real nightmare.
The main problem with evening consumption of dark chocolate is not its calorie content. As the expert explains, the key factor is the caffeine content.
"Dark chocolate contains between 0.5 and 2.5 mg of caffeine per gram of product. If you indulge and eat a whole bar, your body will receive up to 250 mg of caffeine. This is equivalent to three cups of strong coffee!" Jakowiak warns.
For comparison, a standard cup of espresso contains about 65 mg of caffeine. So, by eating dessert after 6 PM, you are essentially "charging" your brain with energy when it should be preparing for rest.
What Is a Safe Dose of Caffeine?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends that adults do not exceed a dose of 400 mg of caffeine per day. However, this is just an average figure. In reality, sensitivity to this substance is individual and depends on body weight and metabolism.
For many people, even one piece of chocolate in the evening can lead to insomnia, anxiety, or shallow sleep, after which you wake up feeling tired.
