Lead and cadmium could lurk in their dark chocolate

Lead and cadmium could lurk in their dark chocolate

  When it comes to chocolate, most of us are on the safe side and choose the dark variety.  It is known that it contains less sugar and is full of antioxidants, so why shouldn't they reach for it?  Unfortunately, an examination recently carried out by consumer reports showed that dark chocolate can potentially contain potentially health -hazardous amounts of lead and cadmium.  So before you grab dark chocolate for this table, it may be advisable to take a closer look at the content.
 
 What did the study find out? 
 Consumer Reports recently tested 50 different types of dark chocolate and was looking for lead and cadmium.  The results were not good.  Almost half of the tested samples contained lead and/or cadmium content that exceeded the limit values defined by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The highest levels of contamination were found in chocolate from Hershey’s, Trader Joe’s and Ghirardelli. 
 The potential health risks 
 lead and cadmium are both toxic metals that can be absorbed by the body and enriched over time.  Lead pollution is particularly dangerous for small children because it can affect her brain development.  It can also cause anemia, weakness and abdominal pain in adults.  Cadmium pollution, on the other hand, can lead to kidney and bone damage. 
 The researchers of Consumer Reports also found that the content of lead and cadmium in the chocolate varied depending on the origin of the cocoa.  The chocolates from Africa and Asia tended to have a higher content of metals than those from South America. 





 The health benefits of dark chocolate 
 Despite the potential health risks, dark chocolate still has some nutritional advantages.  It is rich in antioxidants that can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.  It also contains minerals such as magnesium, copper and iron that can help increase the energy level and regulate the metabolism. 
 Reduce your risk 
 The good news is that it is still possible to enjoy dark chocolate without having to worry about lead and cadmium contamination.  Here are some tips for reducing your risk: 

 Search for brands that use cocoa beans from South America. 

 According to the findings of CR, the safer decisions are: 
-Mast dark organic chocolate 80 % cocoa.  CR found that a ounce contained 14 % less lead and 40 % less cadmium than the permissible limit values of California. 
-Taza Chocolate Organic Deliciously Dark Chocolate 70% cocoa contained 33% less lead and 74% less cadmium. 
-Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate 86 % Cacao contained 36 % less lead and 39 % less cadmium. 
-Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Twilight Delight.  The lead contained was 61 % below the permissible value and Cadmium 96 % below the permissible limit. 
-Valrhona Abinao dark chocolate 85% cocoa.  Lead 63 % and Cadmium 73 % below. 

 Avoid chocolates with added ingredients such as nuts, dried fruits or caramel.  These can increase the degree of pollution. 
 Check the label for information on the cocoa beans used.  If the origin is not listed, it is best to avoid it. 
 consider the use of cocoa powder or beans instead of chocolate.  These are pure forms of cocoa, so there is no risk of contamination. 

 alternatives to dark chocolate 
 If you are looking for a healthier alternative to dark chocolate, there are many options.  Here are some of the best: 

 Kokoschips: These are made from dried coconut and are a great source for healthy fats. 
 cocoa: these are small pieces of cocoa beans that have a crispy texture and a slightly bitter taste. 
 dates: dates are naturally sweet, rich in fiber and rich in antioxidants. 
 fruit and nut bar: These bars consist of a combination of dried fruits and nuts and are a great source of protein and healthy fats. 
 roasted chickpeas: roasted chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber and a great snack for everyone who is looking for a crispy alternative to chocolate. 

 Dark chocolate is a popular treat, but the recent results of consumer reports have shown that it can potentially contain health -hazardous amounts of lead and cadmium.  To reduce your risk, look for brands that use cocoa beans from South America, avoid chocolates with additional ingredients and instead consider the use of cocoa powder or beans.  There are also many alternatives to dark chocolate, such as coconuts, cocoa bins, dates, fruit and nut bars and roasted chickpeas. 
  

 
 sources: 


 Borchers, A. T., et al. (2009). “Dark Chocolate: Potential Sources of Lead and Cadmium Contamination.”, Https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19305022 
 consumer reports. (2021). “Lead and Cadmium in Dark Chocolate.”, Https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/leead-cadmium-in-in-dark-chocolate-a8480295550/ 
 CBS News. (2021). “Dark Chocolate Metals Lead Consumer Reports Hershey’s, Trader Joe’s.”, Https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dark-chocolate-metals-lead-consumer-Reports-Hersheys-joes/