by Hiruni Manawadu
Dark chocolate is often considered a healthy choice because it has high levels of flavanols – a plant based compound that studies have shown can be good for your heart. However, a recent report by Consumer Reports (December 2022) questioned whether this health benefit is worth it. Some dark chocolate can contain high amounts of cadmium and lead which can connect to cancer. It should especially be kept away from pregnant women and children.
The cacao beans – the main ingredient in dark chocolate – can pull in these harmful metals if they are grown in contaminated soil. Because dark chocolate has a high concentration of cacao, it could contain levels of cadmium and lead that the Federal Drug Administration labels as toxic.
It turns out not all dark chocolate is equally dangerous. Here’s a chart showing the most dangerous and healthy dark chocolates: (source: https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/lead-and-cadmium-in-dark-chocolate-a8480295550/)