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…
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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.
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