Unwrapping the Truth About Chocolate
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 2, 2024
If you love chocolate, you’ve no doubt spotted the disturbing headlines by now.
Whenever I see one, I think of that old commercial from the 80s when the guy exclaims, “Hey, you got peanut butter in my chocolate!”
But in this case, he’d yell, “Hey, you’ve got heavy metals in my chocolate!”
Maybe you’ve even felt a pang of guilt when unwrapping your favorite bar.
However, the truth is the chocolate apocalypse has been greatly exaggerated.
In 2023, a report was published in Consumer Reports magazine that made everyone worried about heavy metals being hidden in our favorite chocolaty snacks.
But now, an actual study published in Food Research International could finally put those worries to rest.
Researchers sampled 155 dark and milk chocolates from brands across the globe.
Out of all of them, just ONE brand of dark chocolate (over 50 percent cacao) exceeded the international limit for the heavy metal cadmium.
That wasn’t the only good news. Researchers also concluded there are no health risks from eating dark chocolate from any brand.
Remember, dark chocolate isn’t just delicious. It also packs some profound health BENEFITS:
- Mood magic: Chocolate is like a little happiness bomb for your brain, triggering feel-good endorphins.
- Antioxidant powerhouse: It’s packed with flavonoids and polyphenols that help protect your cells from damaging, disease-linked free radicals.
- Heart helper: Studies suggest dark chocolate can lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Brain booster: Some studies suggest chocolate could help keep your cognitive gears well-oiled.
- Skin savior: The flavonoids in chocolate may help you maintain a youthful glow. And the antioxidants could help naturally protect your skin from UV damage and improve skin hydration and texture.
- Energy kick: Need a pick-me-up without the coffee jitters? Chocolate has your back.
- Cancer fighting: Dark chocolate’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties—along with potential anti-cancer compounds such as procyanidins and catechins—mean this treat can also potentially reduce cancer risk. More research is needed, but early studies show promise.
- Mineral goldmine: Dark chocolate contains vital minerals like iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, and manganese.
Chocolate has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, included in everything from ancient rituals to modern-day celebrations. It’s a universal symbol of love, comfort, and indulgence.
Chocolate isn’t just good for your health… it’s good for your soul. So, shake off the guilt, embrace the joy, and savor every last morsel.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
New Harvard research finds that something quite miraculous can happen when you make gratitude a regular habit and look for the silver linings in life.
“Blind”-sided by Ozempic? The Vision Loss Link
A new study uncovered a shocking potential link between semaglutide (sold under brand names like Ozempic) and a rare but devastating side effect. Here’s what you need to know…
“Lights Out” Method SLASHES Diabetes Risk
New research confirms that a simple change to your sleeping environment could significantly dial down your risk for developing diabetes.
Could This Pest Ruin Your BBQ?
Buckle up if you haven’t heard about the lone star tick yet. This critter has some nasty tricks up its sleeve, including ruining your next BBQ.
Mailbag! How to Find a Natural Medicine Practitioner
Are rigid mainstream medicine doctors just not cutting it for you anymore? Discover the different types of natural health practitioners available to choose one that fits your needs.
Spot Dementia BEFORE it Takes Hold
Researchers have been kept busy for years trying to find a way to spot dementia BEFORE it takes hold. Now, a new study may have cracked the cognitive decline code.
7 Healing Foods to SUPERCHARGE Your Diet
It’s easy to pinpoint what we’re doing wrong with our diet. So, let’s flip the script and identify what foods you should munch on MORE often.
P.S. SHRED fat… with chocolate!? CLICK HERE for the crazy details.
Source:
Godebo, T. R., Stoner, H., Kodsup, P., Bases, B., Marzoni, S., Weil, J., Frey, M., Daley, P., Earnhart, A., Ellias, G., Friedman, T., Rajan, S., Murphy, N., & Miller, S. (2024). Occurrence of heavy metals coupled with elevated levels of essential elements in chocolates: Health risk assessment. Food Research International, 187, 114360.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
"Sinful Trio" SLASHES Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Are you tired of hearing your doctor’s endless “don’t eat this, don’t drink that” lectures? Well, this Easter Sunday, I’ve got news that might just have you hopping happily to your pantry. Turns out, some of life’s tastiest pleasures could help protect you from one of today’s most common health threats—metabolic syndrome. Let’s dig into...
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...