Lead and cadmium could be lurking in your dark chocolate

Lead and cadmium could be lurking in your dark chocolate

When it comes to chocolate, most of us play it safe and go for the dark variety. It is known to be lower in sugar and full of antioxidants, so why not reach for it? Unfortunately, a recent investigation by Consumer Reports found that dark chocolate may contain potentially harmful levels of lead and cadmium. So before you reach for that bar of dark chocolate, it might be wise to take a closer look at what's inside.

What did the study find?

Consumer Reports recently tested 50 different types of dark chocolate, looking for lead and cadmium levels. The results were not good. Nearly half of the samples tested contained levels of lead and/or cadmium that exceeded limits set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The highest levels of contamination were found in chocolates from Hershey’s, Trader Joe’s and Ghirardelli.

The potential health risks

Lead and cadmium are both toxic metals that can be absorbed into the body and accumulate over time. Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for young children because it can affect their brain development. It can also cause anemia, weakness, and abdominal pain in adults. Cadmium exposure, on the other hand, can lead to kidney and bone damage.

Consumer Reports researchers also found that the levels of lead and cadmium in the chocolates varied depending on the origin of the cocoa. Chocolates from Africa and Asia tended to have higher metal contents than those from South America.

The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Despite the potential health risks, dark chocolate still has some nutritional benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from free radical damage. It also contains minerals such as magnesium, copper and iron, which can help increase energy levels and regulate metabolism.

Reduce your risk

The good news is that it's still possible to enjoy dark chocolate without worrying about lead and cadmium contamination. Here are some tips to reduce your risk:

• Suchen Sie nach Marken, die Kakaobohnen aus Südamerika verwenden.

According to CR's findings, the safer choices are:

-Mast organic dark chocolate 80% cocoa. CR found that one ounce contained 14% less lead and 40% less cadmium than California's allowable limits.

-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 limit and cadmium was 96% below the permissible limit.

-Valrhona Abinao Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa. Lead 63% and cadmium 73% below.

• Vermeiden Sie Pralinen mit zugesetzten Zutaten wie Nüssen, Trockenfrüchten oder Karamell. Diese können den Verschmutzungsgrad erhöhen.
• Überprüfen Sie das Etikett auf Informationen zu den verwendeten Kakaobohnen. Wenn der Ursprung nicht aufgeführt ist, ist es am besten, es zu vermeiden.
• Erwägen Sie die Verwendung von Kakaopulver oder Bohnen anstelle von Schokolade. Dies sind reine Formen von Kakao, daher besteht kein Kontaminationsrisiko.

Alternatives to dark chocolate

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

• Kokoschips: Diese werden aus getrockneter Kokosnuss hergestellt und sind eine großartige Quelle für gesunde Fette.
• Kakaonibs: Dies sind kleine Stücke von Kakaobohnen, die eine knusprige Textur und einen leicht bitteren Geschmack haben.
• Datteln: Datteln sind von Natur aus süß, reich an Ballaststoffen und reich an Antioxidantien.
• Frucht- und Nussriegel: Diese Riegel bestehen aus einer Kombination aus getrockneten Früchten und Nüssen und sind eine großartige Quelle für Protein und gesunde Fette.
• Geröstete Kichererbsen: Geröstete Kichererbsen sind protein- und ballaststoffreich und ein toller Snack für alle, die eine knusprige Alternative zu Schokolade suchen.

Dark chocolate is a popular treat, but recent findings from Consumer Reports have shown that it may contain potentially harmful levels of lead and cadmium. To reduce your risk, look for brands that use cocoa beans from South America, avoid chocolates with additional ingredients, and consider using cocoa powder or beans instead. There are also many alternatives to dark chocolate, such as coconut chips, cacao nibs, dates, fruit and nut bars, and roasted chickpeas.

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