Consuming small amounts of dark chocolate was seen as a healthy snack. It is known that dark chocolate, which is even on diet lists, increases happiness hormones. However, according to research, dark chocolate is not as innocent as it seems. Lead and cadmium were found in many dark chocolates. It is stated that people should not be exposed to 0.5 mcg of lead and 4.1 mcg of cadmium per day. Still, 82 percent of the chocolates tested contained up to two and a half times the recommended upper limit and up to three times the cadmium limit.
BEWARE OF THE RISKS OF LEAD POISONING
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned of lead poisoning that occurs when a person is exposed to “too high levels” over a short period of time.
Lead poisoning can cause abdominal pain, constipation, fatigue, headache, irritability, loss of appetite, memory loss and tingling in the limbs. “People with long-term lead exposure may also be at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and low fertility,” the CDC adds. Exposure to lead can also cause anaemia, physical weakness, and kidney and brain damage.
LOW POSSIBILITY TO DAMAGE SMALL PARTS
Experts at Consumer Reports noted that any gram of chocolate they tested for lead was unlikely to cause any harm. For a person to be at risk of long-term health risks, they must overeat by eating dark chocolate in large quantities and every day.
NEGATIVE HEALTH EFFECTS OF CADMIUM EXPOSURE
Cadmium is a natural element found in the earth’s crust and can be absorbed by plants such as the cocoa tree. The CDC states: “When ingested, large amounts of cadmium can severely irritate the stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea.” Cadmium is also associated with kidney disease and brittle bones and is considered a “cancer-causing substance.”
However, “the presence of measurable amounts of cadmium in the blood or urine does not mean that cadmium levels are causing an adverse health effect.”
As for chocolate bars, Consumer Reports adds that you have to consume large amounts of dark chocolate for it to threaten health.