We all love chocolate and we’ve all heard that chocolate is healthy.
The health benefits of chocolate include:
- Antioxidants: Dark chocolate contains high levels of flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants that have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
- Fiber: Dark chocolate is a good source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and maintain a healthy weight.
- Minerals: Chocolate is a good source of minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc, which are important for overall health and wellness.
- Brain-boosting benefits: Dark chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which are natural stimulants that can help improve focus and mood.
- Heart-healthy benefits: Studies have shown that consuming dark chocolate in moderation may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
But you might not realize chocolate has a “dark” side too.
(Did you catch that pun? LOL!)
It truly depends on the origin of the chocolate, but heavy metals are found in the soil, due to acid rain. Latin American soils appear to have the highest levels of heavy metals. Even organic foods will contain heavy metals due to rain and soil effects.
Cocoa is a complex food that contains a variety of natural compounds, including heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and arsenic. Here’s a brief overview of these heavy metals:
- Cadmium: Cadmium is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body and cause damage to the kidneys and bones.
- Lead: Lead is a toxic metal that can harm the brain and nervous system, especially in children.
- Arsenic: Arsenic is a toxic metal that can cause cancer and other health problems.
These heavy metals cadmium, lead, and arsenic can disrupt the normal function of hormones, including thyroid hormones making them known as endocrine disruptors.
Cadmium, lead, and arsenic are toxic metals that can interfere with various aspects of endocrine function, including the synthesis, metabolism, and action of hormones. In particular, cadmium and lead have been shown to interfere with the thyroid hormone system and disrupt the normal function of the thyroid gland, leading to altered levels of thyroid hormones in the blood.
Arsenic, on the other hand, has been linked to changes in the levels of several hormones, including thyroid hormones, and has been shown to affect the regulation of thyroid function.
It’s important to note that the effects of heavy metals on hormones, including thyroid hormones, depend on the level of exposure and the duration of exposure. Chronic exposure to high levels of heavy metals can lead to significant health problems, including endocrine disruption, and should be avoided.
Heavy metals in children are known to cause:
- Cognitive Impairment
- Developmental Delays
- Neurological Damage
I love chocolate what are the worst vs the safest options?
Consumer Reports tested 28 different dark chocolate bars for lead and cadmium and used California’s maximum allowable dose level (MADL) to determine which chocolate bars were “safer choices,” “high in cadmium,” “high in lead” and “high in both cadmium and lead.”
Twenty-three of the brands tested had enough lead or cadmium present that eating just 1 ounce per day could seriously impact your health. Five of the bars tested had potentially dangerous levels of both heavy metals.
Top Chocolate “Offenders”
- Trader Joe’s: Dark Chocolate 72% Cacao (192% of the lead MADL) and The Dark Chocolate Lover’s Chocolate 85% Cacao (127% of the lead MADL, 229% of the cadmium MADL)
- Hershey: Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate (265% of the lead MADL)
- Lindt: Excellence Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa (166% of the lead MADL) and Excellence Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa (116% of the cadmium MADL)
- Godiva: Signature Dark Chocolate 72% Cacao (146% of the lead MADL)
- Dove: Promises Deeper Dark Chocolate with 70% Cacao (112% of the cadmium MADL)
Other Health Concerns About Chocolate
Caffeine and Theobromine Content: Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, two stimulants that can cause jitters, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in some people. Overconsumption of chocolate can also lead to a rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and other adverse effects.
Sugar and Fat Content: Many chocolate products contain high levels of sugar and fat, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. Regular consumption of high-sugar and high-fat foods can increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
I Heard Chocolate Is Acidic
Chocolate is not inherently acidic, but the pH of chocolate can vary depending on its ingredients and processing. In general, dark chocolate has a lower pH than milk chocolate and can range from 5.3 to 6.2. Milk chocolate has a higher pH due to its higher sugar content, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. The pH of chocolate does not have a significant impact on human health, but it can affect the taste, texture, and shelf life of the product.
Can chocolate cause acid reflux?
Chocolate can sometimes trigger acid reflux in some individuals. This is because chocolate contains certain compounds that can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. When the LES relaxes, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux. Additionally, milk chocolate is often high in fat, which can also contribute to acid reflux. If you experience acid reflux after eating chocolate, it may be helpful to avoid or limit chocolate in your diet and to eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of larger meals.
Safest Choices
Taza Chocolate and Ghiradelli are listed in the study as “safe choices” because their levels of lead and cadmium fall below California’s MADL.
A lower percentage of cacao has lower heavy metals. Of course, this goes against what we have learned that the highest %’s have higher health benefits. But no levels of heavy metals are good.
Do I have heavy metals?
Yes, heavy metals are now found in rain and all soil everywhere and they’re impossible to avoid.
How can I limit the health effects of heavy metals?
- Be aware! Make food and life choices that will minimize introducing these compounds into your and your family’s bodies.
- Detox. Doing a great cleanse with the right detox products will help displace them from hormone receptors, metabolize them, and remove them from your body.
Other Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
In closing, chocolate should be consumed in moderation. If I burst your Valentine’s Day gift bubble for chocolates, let me give you some other recommendations your sweetie might enjoy:
- Experiences: Experiences, such as a romantic getaway, a cooking class, or a concert, can be a great way to create lasting memories and spend quality time together.
- Personalized Gifts: Personalized gifts, such as a photo album, a custom-made piece of artwork, or a monogrammed item, show thoughtfulness and consideration. These gifts are unique and tailored specifically to the recipient, making them a great option for Valentine’s Day.
- Technology: Gadgets and technology items, such as a smartwatch, a fitness tracker, or a high-tech home appliance, can be a great gifts for those who enjoy staying connected and on top of the latest technology.
