Should Chocolate Lovers Be Worried?

Every human being is passionate about something, funny enough, some people are passionate about different types of food, various flavors of ice cream, shakes; and then some love chocolate just like some of you. For these set of people, their lives begin and end with chocolate. Morning, afternoon, evening, they devour chocolate with enthusiasm. The big question now is, Should Chocolate Lovers Be Worried? I know that look of confusion cos probably you are asking yourself this question, Worried About What Exactly? . Let's get straight to it. This is what you should be worried about consuming chocolates.

Many dark chocolate and cocoa products sold, contain levels of toxic heavy metals that exceed food safety guidelines, according to new research published Wednesday. Researchers from George Washington University and Consumer Lab, a company that tests foods and supplements, examined the amount of lead, cadmium and arsenic in more than 70 dark chocolate and cocoa products purchased from retailers including Amazon, GNC and Whole Foods Market over 8 years. Findings published in the peer reviewed journal Frontiers of Nutrition, revealed that, 43% of products exceeded acceptable levels of lead per serving and 35% exceeded acceptable levels of cadmium, according to California’s stringent food guidelines. However, none of the products tested exceeded California’s maximum level for arsenic and almost all products 70 out of 72, or 97% had levels of lead that fell below FDA limits for the metal.

Should You Be Worried?

Researchers have stated that the heavy metals found in the chocolate are unlikely to pose any appreciable risk, If they are consumed in a smaller portion; but warn that it could be potentially problematic if consumed in larger portions or are eaten with other products that may contain heavy metals such as teas or spices.

The sad news is that it is not clear what brands of dark chocolate and cocoa products had heavy metals according to the study.

Do you think the researchers intentionally left out this information from the public?.