Dark chocolate and heavy metals – can an IR sauna help? Dark chocolate is best known for its health benefits, but the "healthy" sweet treat has a downside: heavy metals. The good news: an infrared sauna can help excrete heavy metals. Studies show that several toxins are preferably excreted through sweat.
The American consumer organization Consumer Reports has discovered high levels of the heavy metals lead and cadmium in dark chocolate. They examined 28 chocolate bars. Heavy metals were found in all of them. For 23 of the bars, it was shown that just 28 grams of daily intake exceeded what is considered dangerous levels of at least one of the heavy metals.
Lead and cadmium are linked to several health problems in children and adults.
Migrates from the soil to the cocoa beans
High cadmium content in dark chocolate is a 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, osteoporosis, and increase the risk of cancer.
Cadmium (Cd) occurs naturally in the earth's crust and migrates from the soil to the cocoa beans, and will always be present in chocolate and cocoa products.
Sweat it out with a sauna
According to Consumer Reports, one or two pieces of the tested chocolates, even those with the highest cadmium and lead levels, are unlikely to cause immediate harm. The risk comes with frequent consumption over time.
So it's not about quitting chocolate (fortunately). Dark chocolate, after all, also has a high content of antioxidants (flavonoids). According to medical research, dark chocolate can be good for the heart and have a positive effect on blood vessels. Dark chocolate can have anti-inflammatory effects and help lower high blood pressure, as well as act as an antidepressant, help with stress, and provide a feeling of well-being.
Limit intake and stick to good habits
Studies have shown that sauna use contributes to the excretion of heavy metals, including cadmium and lead, through sweat. In a systematic research review published in 2012, where researchers looked at the presence of heavy metals in blood, sweat, and urine, they discovered that the excretion of cadmium, in particular, was more concentrated in sweat than in blood and urine.
According to Consumer Reports, dark chocolate is candy, not health food. Vary your intake, and as an alternative, choose a chocolate bar with a lower cocoa percentage. 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. Consider your total chocolate consumption. Cocoa beans are found in more than just chocolate. Maintain a varied diet.
If you're wondering which chocolates Consumer Reports tested, you can find the full list here: Lead and Cadmium Could be in Your Dark Chocolate
If you want to read more about infrared saunas and sweating, click here: Can you detoxify your body through sweating?
Text: Trine Dahlman
