The researchers found that cacao plants take up cadmium from the soil, with the metal accumulating in cacao beans as the tree grows. As You Sow had previously found high levels of lead and cadmium in some chocolates. To further complicate the issue, lead and cadmium appear to get into cacao in different ways, which means that each requires a different type of fix, DiBartolomeis says.īetween 20, he and other researchers studied how metals might contaminate cacao, as part of a settlement to a lawsuit against chocolate manufacturers brought by As You Sow, an organization that pushes for corporate accountability. DiBartolomeis, PhD, a toxicologist and former official at the California Department of Public Health who has researched heavy metals in chocolate. There is no official cutoff, but dark chocolates are generally at least 65 percent cacao by weight, says Michael J. Some of the same concerns may extend to products made with cocoa powder-which is essentially pure cocoa solids-such as hot cocoa, and brownie and cake mixes, though they have varying amounts of cacao and possibly heavy metals.ĭark chocolate tends to be higher in heavy metals than milk chocolate, probably because of its higher cacao content. That makes it tricky to balance dark chocolate’s risks and benefits. Unfortunately, cocoa solids are also where the heavy metals, especially cadmium, lurk. Dark chocolate is also lower in sugar and higher in fiber than milk chocolate, and it has magnesium and potassium. These are packed with flavanols, which are antioxidants linked to improved blood vessel function, reduced inflammation, and lower cholesterol. Together, these are called cacao or cocoa.ĭark chocolate’s reputation as a relatively healthy treat stems mostly from the cocoa solids. “That shows it’s possible for companies to make products with lower amounts of heavy metals-and for consumers to find safer products that they enjoy,” he says.Īnd in addition to choosing your dark chocolates wisely, there are a number of other steps you can take to continue enjoying chocolate safely.Ĭhocolate is made from the cacao bean, which has two main components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter. He adds that while most of the chocolate bars in CR’s tests had concerning levels of lead, cadmium, or both, five of them were relatively low in both. Still, you don’t need to swear off chocolate entirely, Akinleye says. That’s why it’s important to limit exposure when you can. It can be found in many other foods-such as sweet potatoes, spinach, and carrots-and small amounts from multiple sources can add up to dangerous levels. Even if you aren’t a frequent consumer of chocolate, lead and cadmium can still be a concern. While most people don’t eat chocolate every day, 15 percent do, according to the market research firm Mintel. Frequent exposure to lead in adults, for example, can lead to nervous system problems, hypertension, immune system suppression, kidney damage, and reproductive issues. “But there are risks for people of any age,” he says. The danger is greatest for pregnant people and young children because the metals can cause developmental problems, affect brain development, and lead to lower IQ, says Tunde Akinleye, the CR food safety researcher who led this testing project. That’s risky stuff: Consistent, long-term exposure to even small amounts of heavy metals can lead to a variety of health problems. Read more about how CR tested dark chocolate (PDF). Five of the bars were above those levels for both cadmium and lead. They detected cadmium and lead in all of them.ĬR tested a mix of brands, including smaller ones, such as Alter Eco and Mast, and more familiar ones, like Dove and Ghirardelli.įor 23 of the bars, eating just an ounce a day would put an adult over a level that public health authorities and CR’s experts say may be harmful for at least one of those heavy metals. To see how much of a risk these favorite treats pose, Consumer Reports scientists recently measured the amount of heavy metals in 28 dark chocolate bars. The chocolate industry has been grappling with ways to lower those levels. Research has found that some dark chocolate bars contain cadmium and lead-two heavy metals linked to a host of health problems in children and adults. In fact, more than half of people in a recent survey from the National Confectioners Association described dark chocolate as a “better for you” candy.īut there’s a dark side to this “healthier” chocolate. People also choose dark chocolate in particular for its potential health benefits, thanks to studies that suggest its rich supply of antioxidants may improve heart health and other conditions, and for its relatively low levels of sugar. It’s a mood lifter, an energy booster, a reward after a tough day, a favorite holiday gift. For many of us, chocolate is more than just a tasty treat.
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