Is “Death by Chocolate” a Real Concern?
Recent tests have revealed that some dark chocolates contain dangerous levels of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, which might sound alarming given the reputation of dark chocolate as a guilt-free treat.
According to Jessica Sager’s article in Parade, a study spanning several years tested 72 different chocolate bars, showing that while newer chocolates have lower metal levels, older batches had higher concentrations.
Health experts like Kelly Magurany warn that heavy metals can cause serious health issues such as neurological damage and bone problems.
The study found that dark chocolate often has more heavy metals than milk or white chocolate because cacao plants can absorb these metals from the soil. However, white and milk chocolates can also have these metals from processing.
The good news is that eating dark chocolate in moderation—about an ounce a day—is unlikely to cause harm for most people, and recent improvements in manufacturing are helping reduce metal levels. It’s also advised to choose brands that test for lower heavy metal levels.
While heavy metals are everywhere and not just in chocolate, avoiding excessive consumption is key. For serious cases of heavy metal poisoning, treatment should be managed by a medical professional.
So, enjoy your dark chocolate in moderation and stay informed about what you’re eating. For more details, check out Jessica Sager’s article in Parade.
https://parade.com/health/chocolate-unsafe-lead-levels-new-study-warning-july-2024?utm_source=pushly