As the holiday season approaches, the allure of chocolate, a beloved indulgence, becomes increasingly irresistible. However, despite dark chocolate's reputation as a relatively healthier sweet, it can harbor unwelcome contaminants in the form of lead and cadmium, two heavy metals with well-established links to serious health issues.
What you think is chocolate-y goodness, can actually harbor loads of heavy metals. This revelation became apparent to many individuals through the findings of Consumer Reports' testing last year.
What did Consumer Reports find?
Consumer Reports (CR) has now conducted a fresh set of examinations to determine the heavy metal levels present in various types of chocolates and chocolate-infused food products.
In the realm of chocolate products, lead and cadmium tend to concentrate primarily within the cocoa, also known as cacao, the ingredient responsible for imparting chocolate's characteristic flavor. Dark chocolate generally contains higher proportions of cacao, but other chocolate products, albeit in varying quantities, also contain this ingredient. These range from pure cocoa powder to milk chocolate, which contains considerably less cacao.
CR's team of experts embarked on a mission to evaluate the potential risks posed by other cacao-containing foods. They tested a total of 48 different products across seven categories, including cocoa powder, chocolate chips, milk chocolate bars, and various chocolate mixes used for brownies, chocolate cake, and hot chocolate. Additionally, a selection of dark chocolate bars was included in the examination. The products were sourced from prominent brands such as Hershey's, Ghirardelli, and Nestlé, national retailers like Costco, Target, Trader Joe's, Walmart, and Whole Foods, as well as specialty manufacturers like Droste and Navitas.
As expected, dark chocolates exhibited elevated levels of heavy metals, while milk chocolate demonstrated lower levels. However, it is crucial to note that "every product we tested had detectable amounts of lead and cadmium," emphasizes James E. Rogers, PhD, director and acting head of product safety testing at CR. "Sixteen of the 48 products exceeded CR's established safety thresholds for at least one of the heavy metals, in some instances surpassing our limits by more than twofold. Nevertheless, we did identify safer alternatives within each category of chocolate products."
How Heavy Metals Impact YOU
Heavy metals are harmful to our bodies because they can lead to various health consequences. Here are some reasons why heavy metals are detrimental:
1. Toxicity: Heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic are toxic even in small amounts. When they accumulate in the body, they can interfere with the normal functioning of organs and systems.
2. Neurological Effects: Many heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, can harm the nervous system. This can result in symptoms like cognitive impairments, developmental issues in children, and even neurological disorders in severe cases.
3. Cardiovascular Problems: Some heavy metals, like lead and cadmium, can damage blood vessels and the heart. This can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
4. Kidney Damage: The kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste products from the blood. Heavy metals can accumulate in the kidneys and impair their function, potentially leading to kidney disease.
5. Liver Damage: Heavy metals can also harm the liver, which is responsible for detoxifying the body. Over time, exposure to heavy metals can lead to liver damage and dysfunction.
6. Cancer Risk: Prolonged exposure to certain heavy metals, such as arsenic and cadmium, is associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly lung and bladder cancer.
7. Reproductive Issues: Heavy metals can affect the reproductive system, leading to infertility, birth defects, and developmental problems in fetuses.
8. Weakening of Bones: Cadmium, in particular, can accumulate in bones, leading to decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures.
9. Gastrointestinal Distress: Ingesting heavy metals can cause gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
10. Compromised Immune System: Heavy metal exposure can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases.
The most significant worry regarding heavy metal exposure is related to children and pregnancy, as it can harm the brain and nervous system, resulting in developmental delays, learning and behavioral issues, and similar complications. Nevertheless, it's essential to recognize that adults can also suffer adverse consequences.
Chocolates Lower in Heavy Metals
These were some of the chocolates that ranked lower in heavy metals:
- Divine 70% Deliciously Smooth Dark Chocolate
- Sam’s Choice (Walmart) Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa
- Lindt Classic Recipe Milk Chocolate Bar
- Ghiradelli Premium Baking Bittersweet Chocolate Chips 60% Cacao
- Guittard Chocolate Company Extra Dark Chocolate Baking Chips
- Navitas Organics Organic Cacao Powder
For the full report, check out this link.
The PIH Perspective
These findings are unfortunately no surprise to us. Every day, we see patients who have alarming heavy metals in their bodies - and are suffering because of it. We use Doctor's Data Heavy Metals Urine Test to uncover which of these pesky metals may be contributing to our patients' decline in health. Then, we map out a plan including a detoxifying supplement plan with CellCore products, as well as possible IV chelation therapy to help eliminate those heavy metals that have built up over time.
Takeaways
- Chocolate is a popular treat for both kids and adults, but it's not a necessary part of a healthy diet. To stay safe, it's a good idea to limit the heavy metals you might get from chocolate, even though chocolate isn't the only source of these metals in your body.
- While milk chocolate can be a reasonable choice if you're looking to reduce your heavy metal intake, remember that it's not a health-conscious option. It contains more sugar than dark chocolate, so enjoy it in moderation.
- Whether you're sipping hot chocolate or savoring brownies, chocolate cake, or similar cocoa-based treats, keep in mind that they can add to your overall exposure to heavy metals. Just like other chocolate varieties, it's wise to consume these in moderation.
Questions? Call PIH at 609.512.1468 for more information.