Dark chocolate and heavy metals: can an IR sauna help? Dark chocolate is best known for its health benefits, but this "healthy" treat has a downside: heavy metals. The good news: an infrared sauna may help with the excretion of heavy metals. Studies show that several toxins are excreted primarily through sweat.
The American consumer organisation Consumer Reports has found high levels of the heavy metals lead and cadmium in dark chocolate. It examined 28 chocolate bars, and heavy metals were found in all of them. For 23 of the bars, a daily intake of just 28 grams exceeded what is considered a hazardous level of at least one of the heavy metals.
Lead and cadmium are linked to several health problems in children and adults.
Migrating from the soil to the cocoa beans
High cadmium content in dark chocolate is a well-known issue in Norway and Europe. In 2017, the Danish Consumer Council found cadmium levels above the permitted limit. Too much cadmium can cause kidney damage, brittle bones and increase the risk of cancer.
Cadmium (Cd) occurs naturally in the earth's crust and migrates from the soil to the cocoa beans, so it will always be present in chocolate and cocoa products.
Sweat it out with sauna
According to Consumer Reports, one or two pieces of the chocolates tested, even those with the highest levels of cadmium and lead, are unlikely to cause immediate harm. The risk comes with frequent consumption over time.
So this is not about giving up chocolate (thankfully). After all, dark chocolate is also high in antioxidants (flavonoids). According to medical research, dark chocolate may be good for the heart and have a positive effect on the blood vessels. Dark chocolate may have anti-inflammatory effects and help lower high blood pressure, as well as act as an antidepressant, help against stress and give a sense of wellbeing.
Limit your intake and stick to good habits
Studies have shown that using a sauna contributes to the excretion of heavy metals, including cadmium and lead, through sweat. In a systematic review published in 2012, in which researchers looked at the presence of heavy metals in blood, sweat and urine, they found that the excretion of cadmium in particular was more concentrated in sweat than in blood and urine.
According to Consumer Reports, dark chocolate is confectionery, not health food. Vary your choices, and consider choosing a chocolate bar with a lower cocoa percentage instead. Tests carried out suggest that cadmium levels tend to increase with the percentage of cocoa. Lead levels do not appear to be closely linked to the cocoa percentage. Do not assume that organic dark chocolate is safer. Do not give children too much dark chocolate. Think about your total chocolate consumption. Cocoa beans are found in more than just chocolate. Eat a varied diet.
If you are wondering which chocolates Consumer Reports tested, you can find the full list here: Lead and Cadmium Could be in Your Dark Chocolate
If you would like to read more about infrared sauna and sweat, click here: Can you detox the body through sweating?
Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended as general information only. Research on infrared heat and red light therapy is still evolving, and individual results may vary. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Contact a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional if you have questions about your own health, diagnosis or treatment.
Text: Trine Dahlman
