Dark Chocolate ain't Quite So Healthy Anymore

Tweet

In a recent study done by Consumer Reports, it has been found that dark chocolate has dangerous levels of both cadmium and lead. It has more of these in it because there are more chocolate or cacao beans in it. Such brands as Trader Joe's, Theo, and Hershey have these heavy metals in them. This can cause health issues for young children and pregnant women. The main concern with cadmium is that it accumulates in the body. It is absorbed into the bloodstream and can then mount up in the kidney, liver, and other organs. It can also affect fetal development in the placenta. Exposure over time can cause such health issues as anemia, weak bones, and kidney damage. Cadmium can also be found in some vegetables, nuts, or grains. Cadmium can be found in either soil or water that has been contaminated. The highest amount of these metals in chocolate bars tested were: Beyond Good Organic Pure Dark Chocolate, Alter Eco Organic Dark Chocolate Classic Blackout, and Pascha's Organic Very Dark Dark Chocolate. Ones with lead in them were: Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate, Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate, and Chocolove Strong Dark Chocolate.