Tonight's Topic: "Friday the 13th + Valentine's Day -- Death by Chocolate"
ANSWERS = [ A - A - A|B ]
A special Valentine's Day Greeting from Shelley [KF7TBA] to YOU:
I'm sorry I missed being with you last night to watch tricky LW. Of course, "LoveBug" LW was wrong (again) -- on the ANSWER to Question 3! Big Al [KE6LGE] and those of you who chose the trend [AAA] were 100% right! And Anna [KG6ZOA], Bart [KE7UOR], James [KG5BLB], & Floyd [KG7FXJ] were also 100% right with [AAB]. ANSWERS = [ A - A - A|B ] And there were NO Spotted Owls! I promise I will try to keep a better watch on LW & his tricks in the future. Happy Valentine's Day, Everybody! Shelley |
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Happy Friday the 13th! and Happy Valentine's Day!
... BUT beware: There's may be Death in that Valentine Box of Chocolates!
Dramatic?
Yes, our topic tonight mixes the tradition of exchanging words and gifts of romance and/or friendship with those who are special in your life -- without having Friday the 13th bad luck or accidents from a Chocolate Overdose (OD).
Again, you are probably asking yourself... what is LW talking about... this time?
Harvested from the pods of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree, these bitter cacao seeds are dried, roasted, and processed into "cocoa beans" and then into chocolate.
With over 300 different chemicals found in cocoa (and chocolate), you can experience anything from a "yummy" sensation to "death by chocolate".
So, just how much do you know about the potentially toxic or healthy effects of Cocoa/Chocolate?
Please give us your best answers for each of the following 3 TRUE or FALSE questions, by using the (reuseable) answers of "A"=TRUE or "B"=FALSE.
Good Luck and remember YOU are always a WINNER with us, regardless of your actually answers!
| General Information Sources for
"Friday the 13th + Valentine's Day -- Death by Chocolate": Verna R. The history and science of chocolate. (Malays J Pathol. 2013 Dec;35(2):111-21. Free full text) This article gives an account of the origins, evolution and properties of chocolate. Chocolate is processed from the pod or cabosside of the cacao plant, grown in the tropical belt. Important components in chocolate are flavonoids (antioxidants), cocoa butter, caffeine, theobromine and phenylethylamine, whereas the presence of psychoactive substances account for its pleasurable effects. Caffeine, theophylline and theobromine constitutes the methylxanthines.... Chocolate is noted to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects, and improves the ... the pressure, platelet function and fluidity of blood. The Poisonous Chemistry of Chocolate WIRED By Deborah Blum 02.14.13 | 11:08 am | Permalink Theobroma cacao [Wikipedia Link -- updated 11-2014; seems accurate (LW)] Health Benefits of Methylxanthines in Cacao and Chocolate (Nutrients 2013, 5, 4159-4173 -- Free full text) All About Chocolate -- Chocolate and your Health | Kostas C. Kloukinas (CERN) (Link) ONLINE BOOK: THE FOOD OF THE GODS (Θεω βρωμα ) -- A POPULAR ACCOUNT OF COCOA BY BRANDON HEAD 1903 (same year as MS Hershey started buiding his Chocolate Plant!) AUDIO: Chemistry in its element: compounds -- theobromine | MP3 Download (3200k) VIDEO: A Brief History of Chocolate - YouTube | Smithsonian Magazine VIDEO: The Story of Chocolate - You Tube | VSO Ireland -- a documentary about the 'Story of Chocolate: from Bean to Bar'. OTHER VIDEOS on You Tube: [_] History of Hershey's Chocolate - The Great American Chocolate Factory - CharlieDeanArchives - YouTube [_] HOW IT'S MADE_ Hershey's Chocolate Back in the Day (720p) - YouTube [_] More Than a Drink_ Chocolate in the Pre-Columbian World - YouTube [_] The Dark Side Of Chocolate (Full Documentary) - YouTube [_] The Story of Chocolate - YouTube [_] BBC Documentary 2013 How Stuff Works Secrets of Chocolate Discovery Channel - YouTube |
Question #1: Closely related to other natural chemicals (alkaloids) like caffeine (in coffee) and theophylline (in black and green teas), the most potent cocoa/chocolate chemical is theobromine. It is toxic to most mammals -- including humans and especially pets like cats and dogs -- even in the form of cocoa hulls used as garden mulch -- True or False?
A. True, or
B. False
A byproduct of
chocolate production, cocoa
bean shells are
frequently used for home
landscaping. Some dogs find the mulch palatable and ingest
varying
amounts.
... The theobromine content of processed cocoa bean shell mulch reportedly ranges from 0.19 percent to 2.98 percent.
Dogs are known to be sensitive to theobromine and caffeine—chemicals that are called methylxanthines.
Dogs that consume cocoa bean shell mulch might develop signs consistent with methylxanthine toxicosis -- signs are similar to those seen in chocolate poisonings.
Vomiting and muscle tremors were the most common signs of toxicosis that occurred following ingestion. Other signs were tachycardia [rapid heartbeat], hyperactivity, and diarrhea.
"A big problem from the perspective of a toxicologist and a veterinary clinician is that if you have poisoning from methylxanthines, you get a progression of signs—vomiting, diarrhea, more vomiting, trembling, the heart rate kicks up, then it may progress to seizures if the dose is exceptionally high, with death being uncommon."
Dr. Steve Hansen (Director of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Animal Poison Control Center) recommends that pet owners avoid use of cocoa bean shell mulch in landscaping accessible to unsupervised dogs, or at least use it cautiously around dogs with indiscriminate eating habits.
The odds of dogs dying from eating the fresh mulch are low, but those suspected of ingesting it should be examined by a veterinarian.
[SOURCE: | June 01, 2006 | Danger to dogs from cocoa bean mulch put in perspective]
... The theobromine content of processed cocoa bean shell mulch reportedly ranges from 0.19 percent to 2.98 percent.
Dogs are known to be sensitive to theobromine and caffeine—chemicals that are called methylxanthines.
Dogs that consume cocoa bean shell mulch might develop signs consistent with methylxanthine toxicosis -- signs are similar to those seen in chocolate poisonings.
Vomiting and muscle tremors were the most common signs of toxicosis that occurred following ingestion. Other signs were tachycardia [rapid heartbeat], hyperactivity, and diarrhea.
"A big problem from the perspective of a toxicologist and a veterinary clinician is that if you have poisoning from methylxanthines, you get a progression of signs—vomiting, diarrhea, more vomiting, trembling, the heart rate kicks up, then it may progress to seizures if the dose is exceptionally high, with death being uncommon."
Dr. Steve Hansen (Director of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Animal Poison Control Center) recommends that pet owners avoid use of cocoa bean shell mulch in landscaping accessible to unsupervised dogs, or at least use it cautiously around dogs with indiscriminate eating habits.
The odds of dogs dying from eating the fresh mulch are low, but those suspected of ingesting it should be examined by a veterinarian.
[SOURCE: | June 01, 2006 | Danger to dogs from cocoa bean mulch put in perspective]
POSTER:
COCOA BEAN MULCH AS A
CAUSE OF METHYLXANTHINE TOXICOSIS IN DOGS
(pdf)
Chocolate Toxicity Calculator for Dogs (Link)
If your chocolate Lab loves to eat chocolates, don't give in! Learn how much of each kind of chocolate can harm your best friend!
Question
#2: In
fact, as long as ten years ago, the US Dept of Agriculture's National
Wildlife Research Center used mixtures of caffeine and theobromine as a
way to kill coyotes in Colorado
-- True or False?Chocolate Toxicity Calculator for Dogs (Link)
If your chocolate Lab loves to eat chocolates, don't give in! Learn how much of each kind of chocolate can harm your best friend!
A. True, or
B. False
Chemists
with the USDA are
investigating the use of theobromine as a toxicant
to control coyotes that
prey on livestock:
Methylxanthines were quantified in coffee, tea, and chocolate products.
Theobromine, caffeine, and theophylline combined in the ratios observed in tea and chocolate were ingested by coyotes.
Although both mixtures induced acute toxicity, the symptoms accompanying the chocolate methylxanthine mimic were preferable.
Manipulation of the ratios of methylxanthines in the chocolate mimic led to the identification of a 5:1 theobromine/caffeine mixture as a promising coyote toxicant.
This mixture was then administered to coyotes using the coyote lure operative device (CLOD).
Mortality occurred in every coyote that ingested any portion of the CLOD contents.
These results indicate that mixtures of theobromine and caffeine have the potential to be developed into a selective, effective, and socially acceptable toxicant for the control of pest coyotes.
Question
#3: The
average American consumes nearly 11 pounds of
chocolate each year. However, on the average, for you
to die of an accidental chocolate overdose -- in one sitting
--
you
would have to eat over
15 pounds of chocolate
-- like 1,900 Hershey
chocolate miniature candies
-- True or False?Methylxanthines were quantified in coffee, tea, and chocolate products.
Theobromine, caffeine, and theophylline combined in the ratios observed in tea and chocolate were ingested by coyotes.
Although both mixtures induced acute toxicity, the symptoms accompanying the chocolate methylxanthine mimic were preferable.
Manipulation of the ratios of methylxanthines in the chocolate mimic led to the identification of a 5:1 theobromine/caffeine mixture as a promising coyote toxicant.
This mixture was then administered to coyotes using the coyote lure operative device (CLOD).
Mortality occurred in every coyote that ingested any portion of the CLOD contents.
These results indicate that mixtures of theobromine and caffeine have the potential to be developed into a selective, effective, and socially acceptable toxicant for the control of pest coyotes.
Coyotes.
Adult coyotes (mixed sex) were obtained from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA)/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS)/Wildlife Services (WS)/National Wildlife Research
Center (NWRC) field station in Millville, UT, and from the University of Wyoming’s predator colony in Laramie, WY. Coyotes were transported to and housed in the USDA/APHIS/WS/NWRC outdoor open facility in Fort Collins, CO. Coyotes were quarantined for at least 2 weeks prior to toxicity testing. Coyotes were maintained on a daily ration of 350 g of Mazuri Exotic Canine Diet (PMI Nutrition International, Brentwood, MO) and water ad libitum. (p 3)
Johnston,
John J. (2005). "Evaluation
of Cocoa- and Coffee-Derived Methylxanthines as Toxicants for the
Control of Pest Coyotes". Journal
of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.(pdf)Center (NWRC) field station in Millville, UT, and from the University of Wyoming’s predator colony in Laramie, WY. Coyotes were transported to and housed in the USDA/APHIS/WS/NWRC outdoor open facility in Fort Collins, CO. Coyotes were quarantined for at least 2 weeks prior to toxicity testing. Coyotes were maintained on a daily ration of 350 g of Mazuri Exotic Canine Diet (PMI Nutrition International, Brentwood, MO) and water ad libitum. (p 3)
A. True, or
B. False
Like most alkaloids, theobromine has a range of effects on the body.
So theobromine can reduce sleepiness and in large quantities produces a jittery sensation.
On the positive side it is a cough suppressant and can help reduce asthma symptoms.
Theobromine's effects are not entirely benign, however.
The toxic effect of chocolate on dogs is well-known, and it is the theobromine it contains that is responsible.
This isn't a problem limited to dogs, but seems to effect all mammals to some degree, though the speed at which theobromine is disposed of by the system differs from species to species.
Cats are particularly sensitive to theobromine, but rarely eat chocolate because they don't have sweet taste receptors and so don't get the kick from sweets that humans (and dogs) do.
Theobromine is also poisonous to humans, though not to the same degree as dogs and shouldn't cause too much concern.
Almost everything is poisonous in a large enough dose (even water, for example) and toxicity is all about dosage.
In the case of theobromine, humans have about three times the resistance per kg of bodyweight as does a dog, and are significantly heavier, so we are much less likely to be damaged by our treats.
A fatal dose for an adult human would involve eating more than 5kg of milk chocolate [5kg = about 11 pounds]
Source: Theobromine - Royal Society of Chemistry (Link)
So theobromine can reduce sleepiness and in large quantities produces a jittery sensation.
On the positive side it is a cough suppressant and can help reduce asthma symptoms.
Theobromine's effects are not entirely benign, however.
The toxic effect of chocolate on dogs is well-known, and it is the theobromine it contains that is responsible.
This isn't a problem limited to dogs, but seems to effect all mammals to some degree, though the speed at which theobromine is disposed of by the system differs from species to species.
Cats are particularly sensitive to theobromine, but rarely eat chocolate because they don't have sweet taste receptors and so don't get the kick from sweets that humans (and dogs) do.
Theobromine is also poisonous to humans, though not to the same degree as dogs and shouldn't cause too much concern.
Almost everything is poisonous in a large enough dose (even water, for example) and toxicity is all about dosage.
In the case of theobromine, humans have about three times the resistance per kg of bodyweight as does a dog, and are significantly heavier, so we are much less likely to be damaged by our treats.
A fatal dose for an adult human would involve eating more than 5kg of milk chocolate [5kg = about 11 pounds]
Source: Theobromine - Royal Society of Chemistry (Link)
What
does 11 pounds of chocolate
look like? Please see this FUNNY You Tube Video below:
Theobromine poisoning or chocolate poisoning is an
overdose reaction to the xanthine
alkaloid
theobromine,
found in chocolate,
tea,
cola
beverages,
and some other foods.
Lethal (LD50) doses of theobromine have only been published for humans, cats, dogs, rats, and mice; these differ by a factor of 6 across species (see the table in this article).
Cocoa beans contain about 1.2% theobromine by weight, so an ounce (28g) of raw cacao contains approximately 0.3g theobromine.
Processed chocolate, in general, has smaller amounts.
The amount found in highly refined chocolate candies (typically 1.4–2.1 g/kg or 40–60 mg/oz) is much lower than that of dark chocolate or unsweetened baker's chocolate (> 14 g/kg or > 400 mg/oz).
In general, the amount of theobromine found in chocolate is small enough such that chocolate can be safely consumed by humans.
However, occasional serious side effects may result from the consumption of large quantities, especially in the elderly.
Source: Theobromine poisoning (Wikipedia Link)
------
To develop nausea from theobromine intoxication requires piggishness on the order of Augustus Gloop from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory -- you have to eat a lot.
To die from it is a chore on a whole other magnitude.
The dose at which 50% of people will expire from theobromine intake is around 1000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
That means that an average ten-year-old child stuffing sweets into his or her mouth this evening would need to consume 1,900 Hersey's milk chocolate miniature candies.
If they have a taste for dark chocolate -- which contains more cacao, and thus, theobromine -- they'd still have to devour 659 of those miniature candies, 16.3 pounds of chocolate!
Dogs, cats, birds, and other animals aren't so lucky, however.
They metabolize theobromine about five times more slowly, so the compound has much more time to accumulate in their bodies to toxic levels.
Source: Halloween Scaremongering: Death by Chocolate (Link)
=================Lethal (LD50) doses of theobromine have only been published for humans, cats, dogs, rats, and mice; these differ by a factor of 6 across species (see the table in this article).
Cocoa beans contain about 1.2% theobromine by weight, so an ounce (28g) of raw cacao contains approximately 0.3g theobromine.
Processed chocolate, in general, has smaller amounts.
The amount found in highly refined chocolate candies (typically 1.4–2.1 g/kg or 40–60 mg/oz) is much lower than that of dark chocolate or unsweetened baker's chocolate (> 14 g/kg or > 400 mg/oz).
In general, the amount of theobromine found in chocolate is small enough such that chocolate can be safely consumed by humans.
However, occasional serious side effects may result from the consumption of large quantities, especially in the elderly.
Source: Theobromine poisoning (Wikipedia Link)
------
To develop nausea from theobromine intoxication requires piggishness on the order of Augustus Gloop from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory -- you have to eat a lot.
To die from it is a chore on a whole other magnitude.
The dose at which 50% of people will expire from theobromine intake is around 1000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
That means that an average ten-year-old child stuffing sweets into his or her mouth this evening would need to consume 1,900 Hersey's milk chocolate miniature candies.
If they have a taste for dark chocolate -- which contains more cacao, and thus, theobromine -- they'd still have to devour 659 of those miniature candies, 16.3 pounds of chocolate!
Dogs, cats, birds, and other animals aren't so lucky, however.
They metabolize theobromine about five times more slowly, so the compound has much more time to accumulate in their bodies to toxic levels.
Source: Halloween Scaremongering: Death by Chocolate (Link)
++ QUOTES OF THE DAY ++ -- Dog Help Network: “Valentine’s Day is the single biggest day on which dogs are taken to emergency rooms because of ingested chocolate.”
[SOURCE: Bad, Bad Doggy Treats]
=================
Please include you name, Callsign, and those correct answers.
Good luck everyone!
Shelley [KF7TBA] & LW [K7LWA]
K7LWA.INS@gmail.com
NOTE: Be sure to check out additional info & photos on
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