Chocolate, a “guilty pleasure” for most of us is particularly preferred in its dark version as a healthier option to consume, however the findings of a new research are particularly troubling.
It is loved by young and old, consuming it often in a frenzy.
THE chocolate“guilty pleasure” for most of us is particularly preferred in its black version as a healthier choice for consumption, however the findings of new research not only change the data but are particularly problematic.
Specifically, dark chocolate may be known for its high antioxidant content compared to other types of chocolate, however, according to new research from the Consumer Reportsthere are dark chocolate bars that contain high amounts of heavy metals such as cadmium and lead, which can cause health problems.
Indicatively, these two heavy metals were found in all 28 plates used as a study sample of the researchers.
The amount of cadmium considered safe by health experts is 4.1 ug/day and for lead it is 0.5 ug/day.
The scientists specifically found that not only did 23 of these 28 bars exceed these daily amounts, but five of them contained even higher levels of both heavy metals.
Because cadmium and lead can cause developmental problems, exposure to these heavy metals poses the greatest risk to pregnant women and young children.
“Cadmium can damage the liver and kidneys“, says Dr. Dana Ellis Hunnes, a clinical dietitian at the University of California Medical Center and an assistant professor at the University of California’s Fielding School of Public Health.
“Therefore, you should do everything you can to avoid or limit your intake».
While there are risks with certain types of dark chocolate, you don’t need to avoid it completely, says Tunde Akinleye, food safety researcher at Consumer Reports and lead author of the study.
He explains that although the majority of commercial chocolate products tested had alarmingly high levels of lead and/or cadmium, it is possible for companies to produce products with lower amounts of heavy metals, but also for consumers to find safer products that they like. .
“If one does not eat a lot of chocolate, eating a little dark chocolate, especially if limited to a 30 gram portion, does not cause a problemHunnes said.
Source :Skai
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