Have you heard about the recent Consumer Report that found heavy metals like lead and cadmium in popular chocolate brands like Hershey’s, Godiva, Ghirardelli, and Lindt, as well as organic brands like Hu, Theo, Tanza, and Lily’s? It’s quite alarming to think that something as innocent as chocolate could potentially contain harmful toxins.
Heavy Metals in Chocolates: A Study on Cadmium and Lead Contamination
The study tested 28 different chocolate bars, and the results showed that no brand was free from these heavy metals. In fact, 23 bars tested over the limit set by public health authorities for either cadmium or lead by eating just a single ounce of chocolate daily. Five chocolate bars even tested over the limit for both heavy metals!
It’s interesting to note that the cadmium found in chocolate is typically due to the contaminated soil in which the cacao pod plants grow. On the other hand, the lead found in chocolate comes from external sources like the air, which can re-contaminate the cacao anytime it spends enough time outside. This is likely due to sources like nearby highways’ car fumes.
If you’re wondering whether you should avoid chocolate altogether, it’s not that simple. It’s important to consider your current state of health and the return on investment of each form of stress in your life. It’s impossible to avoid all forms of toxicity in our modern world, but there are ways to support our body’s detoxification pathways.
One way to support your body is to focus on a diet that includes whole, nutrient-dense foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Additionally, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep can also help your body naturally detoxify. Don’t forget to support your liver, which plays a key role in detoxification.
What do you think about the heavy metals found in chocolate? Have you ever considered taking steps to support your body’s natural detoxification pathways? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
References
- Loria, K., & Bergmann, D. visualizations by A. (2022, December 15). Lead and cadmium could be in Your dark chocolate. Consumer Reports. Retrieved December 21, 2022, from https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/lead-and-cadmium-in-dark-chocolate-a8480295550/
- Behar, A. (2022, October 12). New report details simple, safe, and low-cost solutions to reduce levels of lead and cadmium in chocolate. As You Sow. Retrieved December 21, 2022, from https://www.asyousow.org/blog/2022/8/17/new-report-explains-simple-safe-and-low-cost-solutions-to-reduce-levels-of-lead-and-cadmium-in-chocolate
- Mastinu, Andrea et al. “Zeolite Clinoptilolite: Therapeutic Virtues of an Ancient Mineral.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 24,8 1517. 17 Apr. 2019, doi:10.3390/molecules24081517
- Activated Charcoal. Activated charcoal. (n.d.). Retrieved December 21, 2022, from https://www.poison.org/articles/activated-charcoal
