Search:

Would you like to contribute to this site? Chocolate Menu Submit an Article Submit a Tip Place your Ad Add URL Chocolate Questions? Contact Us  About Chocolate   Chocolate Truffles   Chocolate Gift Ideas   Chocolate Gift Baskets   Chocolate Gift Products   Gourmet Chocolate   Godiva Chocolate   Name Brand Chocolate   Candy Chocolates   Chocolate Desserts   Chocolate Mousse   Chocolate Cakes and Pies   Chocolate Cookies and Muffins   Chocolate Covered Treats   Cooking with Chocolate   Chocolate Recipes   Chocolate Cake and Pie Recipes   Chocolate Molds   Chocolate Fondue and Fountains   Dark Chocolate   White Chocolate   Swiss Chocolate   Belgian Chocolate   Types of Chocolate   Hot Cocoa   Fudge   Specialty Chocolate   Novelty Chocolate   Handmade Chocolates   Sugar Free Chocolate   Carob   Chocolate and Diet   Chocolate Resources

Return To Chocolate Article Archive   Why You MUST Stay Away From Processed Chocolate By Dr. Joseph Mercola A new study indicates that chocolate can be contaminated with extremely high quantities of lead. The problem with lead in chocolate has been known before now; it had been assumed that cocoa plants were tainted by leaded gasoline. However, a team of researchers has found that lead levels in processed chocolate are 60 times higher than could be accounted for by this. It is currently unknown whether the additional contamination is coming from the shipping or the manufacturing process. Elevated blood lead levels in children can produce learning disabilities, including damage to a child's ability to think, plan, organize and memorize. Environmental Health Perspectives October 2005, Volume 113(10)Chicago Tribune October 30, 2005 Registration Required Dr. Mercola's Comment:I hope you loaded up with natural whole food treats for all the treat-or-treaters who came to knock on your door on Halloween, and left those Hefty bags of candy bars, full of processed chocolate, at the grocery store. If you've been skeptical at all of my warnings about chocolate, this new study provides compelling evidence of why it would serve you well to avoid most processed varieties. Unprocessed chocolate does provide some health benefits from its flavonols, which have antioxidant properties. But it's important to keep in mind that you can derive a majority of these benefits by consuming fruits like blueberries, apples and grapes, and most all vegetables, including broccoli, greens and onions. This is obviously a method I would prefer most people utilize. But if you like chocolate and want to eat it safely, consider these common sense tips: -- Restrict your intake to dark, organic chocolate, which contains the most flavonols and avoids the dangerous processing procedures. -- Consume chocolate in moderation. -- Hold off on the chocolate if you are struggling with serious disease -- remember that chocolate contains lots of sugar, which depresses your immune system. About the Author: This article is reprinted from Mercola.com, the world's #1 most visited and trusted natural/alternative health website. For a limited time only, you can take the FREE 'Metabolic Type Test' to help you learn the right foods for your particular body type so you can achieve optimal fitness & health. Just go to http://www.mercola.com/forms/mt_test.htm right now to take this quick test! keywords: Chocolate | Chocolates | Candy Cadbury Chocolate

Get your Chocolate questions answered... Subscribe to our Chocolate Newsletter FREE! Your First Name: Your Email Address: Enter above security code

Home  |   Chocolate Blog  |   Ask the Chocolate Expert  |   Chocolate Archive  |   Chocolate RSS Feeds  |   Advertise  |   Sitemap