Dark chocolate is widely considered healthy.
According to Consumer Reports, Trader Joe's and Hu are chocolate brands with high levels of lead.
Health issues are linked to exposure. Awareness and moderation are important according to experts.
New test results from Consumer Reports show that some dark chocolate brands may contain dangerous heavy metals.
Dark chocolate bars from popular brands were tested. All but five of them contained high levels of pollutants that could put an adult over safe levels.
High levels of lead were found in chocolate from brands like Tony's, Lindt, Hershey's, and Hu.
Children who have been exposed to lead are more likely to have cognitive impairment. High blood pressure and neurological issues can be caused by it, as well as reproductive problems in adults.
Lindt, Dove, and Beyond Good products were found to have high levels of the metal. According to the CDC, the mineral is known to cause cancer and is linked to a number of health problems.
A Trader Joe's bar was found to have high levels of both lead and Cadmium.
The bean used to make chocolate can be contaminated from the soil it's grown in or after the beans are picked, so dark chocolate tends to be higher in heavy metals than milk chocolate.
Consumer Reports says that the levels found in the testing are not in violation of any laws.
The Cleveland Clinic says that heavy metals can accumulate in the body over time and cause health issues.
As a result, it's worth being aware of the risk, and there may be ways to reduce your exposure by opting for products with lower levels.
Tunde Akinleye, the Consumer Reports food safety researcher who led the testing project, said that the results show that it's possible for companies to make products with lower amounts of heavy metals.
Several of the brands contacted for comment by Insider referred to a statement by the National Confectioners Association regarding a settlement in California.
According to the statement, the products cited in the study are in compliance with strict quality and safety requirements, and the levels provided to us by Consumer Reports testing are well under the limits established by our settlement. We are dedicated to being transparent and socially responsible.
There is good reason to eat dark chocolate occasionally.
Dark chocolate has been shown to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Milk chocolate has more of a variety of substances. The source of the contaminants found by Consumer Reports can be found in the Cacao.
Dark chocolate can be infused into sweeter milk chocolate varieties. The Consumer Reports researcher says moderation is the best bet for now.
A serving of dark chocolate is about an ounce.
Akinleye said that having a serving a few days a week, especially with a product that has lower levels, means you can eat dark chocolate.
You can read the original article.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
