Is Dark Chocolate Really Toxic?
What's going on with all that lead and cadmium in our fave snack?
For those of us who care about our health dark chocolate has long been the go-to for a post work-out boost, so the recent study and subsequent headlines exposing the fact that many of our favorite bars contain high levels of lead and cadmium may have had you questioning all of time space reality.
That’s fair, dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and provides a serotonin boost, it’s used in sacred ceremonies for goodness sake, but, unfortunately, according to a recent study by consumer reports it also contains some nasty ingredients you need to be aware of.
Here’s a quick check-list to help you understand what’s in your chocolate, and tips to include it without getting heavy metal toxicity.
Consumer reports scientists recently measured the amount of heavy metals in 28 dark chocolate bars. They detected cadmium and lead in all of them.
For 23 of the bars listed, eating just an ounce a day would put an adult over a level that public health authorities and CR’s experts say may be harmful for at least one of those heavy metals. Five of the bars were above those levels for both cadmium and lead. Find those in the consumer reports study linked above.
Frequent exposure to lead in adults can lead to nervous system problems, hypertension, immune system suppression, kidney damage, and reproductive issues. It is thought to be a leading cause of Alzheimer’s.
Exposure to low levels of cadmium in air, food, water, and particularly in tobacco smoke over time may build up cadmium in the kidneys and cause kidney disease and fragile bones. Cadmium is considered a cancer-causing agent
That said, experts say that by being mindful of the risks, you can still enjoy dark chocolate while minimizing the potential harms.
Here’s how :
Try dark chocolates with lower cacao percentages.
Treat chocolate as a treat. Have it once a week and monitor portion size.
Alternate with milk chocolate.
Don’t assume organic dark chocolates are safer. In CR’s tests, they were just as likely as other products to have concerning levels of heavy metals.
Don’t give kids much dark chocolate. The younger you are, the bigger the threat from heavy metals.
Pregnant people should limit consumption as well.
Think about overall total chocolate consumption. Cocoa powder, hot cocoa mixes, or other chocolate desserts weren’t tested and could contribute to your heavy metal intake.
Eat a well-rounded diet including lots of antioxidants to reduce overall toxic burden. Grapes, apples, green tea, and certain other healthy foods can even provide some of the same flavanols that chocolate supplies. Plus, doing this can help provide a variety of nutrients that may help offset some of the harm that heavy metals do. These include calcium, iron, selenium, vitamin C, and zinc.
Exercise regularly and sweat. Along with essential minerals, sweat is an acknowledged excretory route for toxic metals.
Sauna use. Has been shown to reduce heavy metal toxicity.
Get a lead test. You may be able to access one of these through your care provider but if not you can access one independently. I purchased one for $48 through Health Labs
In the UK you can purchase privately here for £89.
As the headlines die down it is important to understand that this is a genuine health risk and to reflect that seriousness a number of lawsuits against Hershey and Trader Joe’s are currently in action.
However, it is still possible to still enjoy dark chocolate in moderation with caution, whilst following the tips outlined on this blog post.
Share this with your loved ones to protect them from heavy metals in their foods.
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