Who doesn't love chocolate? Even allergy sufferers love it, but regret not being able to eat it. This is a sweet with a thousand and one uses, after all, it lifts the mood, increases energy production, serves as a reward for an annoying day and is also a great gift option. In short, he is welcome at any time!
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Despite finding it in several versions, the original dark form is the most loved by all, but does this much-loved candy have only good things to offer? No. See traditional chocolate's relationship to cadmium and lead?
Chocolate: good guy or bad guy?
Dark chocolate is people's darling, not only for its unique and unparalleled flavor, but also for its benefits. According to some research, candy contains antioxidants, so it may even improve heart health and fight bowel cancer. We bet you didn't know that!
Unfortunately, according to research carried out by the National Confectioners Association, it has been detected - in some chocolate bars from well-known brands – the presence of lead and cadmium: two heavy metals that are associated with numerous health problems in adults and children.
In another experiment, 28 bars were analyzed with the aim of discovering whether or not they had metals. The surprise came: they all failed the test. There was! Of the 28 bars analysed, five exhibited extremely high levels of cadmium and lead while 23 had an “acceptable” amount in terms of health of the consumer.
One ounce of Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate was found to contain 265% more lead than California allows, and Trader Joe's 72% Dark Chocolate to contain 192% more.
Even though there is “only” a small amount of metals in most of the analyzed bars, it is possible to say that the chronic consumption of these foods can cause harm to people, yes. Especially for pregnant women and children.
In the case of these two specific groups, the impairment occurs in physical and brain development, which can even affect the baby's IQ level. In the case of adults, lead consumption can bring problems to the nervous, circulatory, renal, reproductive and immune systems.
In any case, the chronic consumption of dark chocolate can harm the health of people of all ages. Keep an eye out for this when you go shopping next time! Of course, it is worth mentioning that the chocolate industries have been trying to reduce the levels of such metals, but it is necessary to be aware.
