Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
The irresistible experience of biting into a bar of chocolate as it slowly melts into your mouth is unmatched. The taste, shape, and smell of chocolate make most of us crave more. Scientists have revealed that eating chocolates can release four chemicals: endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. That's why chocolate is a favourite snack for many people.
Dark chocolate comes from cacao, a source of antioxidants. Cacao is a plant-based food that contains Polyphenols, the more cacaos there is in a bar of chocolate, the darker the chocolate will taste.
Polyphenols recruit stem cells into the bloodstream from bone marrow. That is why dark chocolate makes blood vessels more resilient; the stem cells regenerate the areas of blood vessels to keep them healthy. Therefore, consuming dark chocolate may reduce heart related disease, reduce insulin resistance, and lower blood pressure. But there's a dark side to dark chocolate that chocolate lovers must be aware of.
Recent research has revealed some information about this healthy chocolate that may be controversial.
Consumer reports have found that some dark chocolates contain lead and cadmium, two health-hazardous heavy metals related to many medical problems.
Both cadmium and lead are health hazardous, lead poses particular concerns as even a slight amount of it is considered unsafe. According to Doctor William Li, cacao plantations around volcanic areas or even in industrial areas tend to pick up more heavy metals from the earth.
Research led by scientists at George Washington University examined over 70 types of dark chocolate products from different retailers to see whether they contain lead or cadmium.
The study was based on the California law MADL: Maximum Allowable Dose Levels for Heavy Metals in Food. According to these conditions, the maximum level for heavy metals in foods is 0.5 micrograms, while for cadmium, the limit is 4.1 mcg.
In the report, 43% of the products crossed the acceptable levels of lead. About 35% of the products exceeded the certified levels of cadmium. The scientists measured the micrograms of dark chocolate that an individual would eat on a daily basis based on recommendations from product labels. The samples ranged from 0 to 3.316 mcg of heavy metal per day serving. The cadmium levels ranged from 0.29 to 14.12 mcg.
Organic food is often taken as safe from any harmful elements, but this is not always the case.
According to the study, products that have organic cocoa powder within are likely to contain significant levels of cadmium and lead. Cocoa powder is present in higher levels in dark chocolate.
On the brighter side of the research, the report revealed that many health-essential nutrients such as copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc are found in dark chocolate. Some chocolate bars contain a large amount of the daily nutrition necessary for children and adults.
How to avoid lead in dark chocolate?
Avoiding heavy metals completely from our food chart can be difficult since common food items such as rice, fish, fruits, and even vegetables can contain some amounts of metals.
Generally, our body while heavy metals can be naturally discharged through sweat and urine, too much consumption can damage major organs, leading to nervous system problems, hypertension, kidney damage, immune system weakening, and other health issues.
Since avoiding heavy metals completely is difficult, reducing the consumption of items that contain heavy metals becomes crucial.
A diversity in the food chart helps reduce dependency on any certain food item. UW Medicine dietitian-nutritionist Judy Simon believes dark chocolate is safe to enjoy occasionally, keeping in mind its elements.
Heavy metals are very concerning contaminants that can cause heart problems and brain and kidney damage.
The health risk is higher for pregnant women and children because the heavy metals affect reproductive health and suppress brain development. That's why, even if you aren't obsessed with consuming chocolates, you should remain cautious.
Cocoa, the main ingredient for dark chocolate, is one of the main sources of cadmium. Excessive intake of cadmium may result in low birth weight in newborns.
According to Doctor Kavita Patel, any amount of lead that's above the acceptable level is just not great for the development of the brain, especially for young children. That's why we should consume in moderation. In moderation, it is likely not that dangerous.
Others should also avoid having large amounts of chocolate per day, which are not more than one or two ounces a day. Consistently eating more than one ounce a day can lead to health risks.
Consuming dark chocolate improves heart condition, releases stress, and enhances the digestion system. Since it's also high in lead and cadmium, maintaining balance is key.
Take in the benefits of dark chocolate while minimizing the dangers of heavy metals. In case of higher concerns, take suggestions from a dietitian or nutritionist.