Last Update: January 29, 2023, 11:35 AM IST
The foods we eat affect our brain health and help us perform specific mental functions.
Are dark chocolates really as healthy as they seem? According to Dr. Sudhir Kumar of Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, dark chocolates actually do us more harm.
We all love to eat dark chocolate or sprinkle a few pieces on our cookie dough. We believe that they are healthy and thus we happily consume them to fulfill our desires. It is important to note that these potential benefits are associated with moderate consumption of dark chocolate. Eating large amounts, especially milk chocolate or chocolate with added sugar, can have negative health effects.
But are dark chocolates really as healthy as they seem? According to Dr. Sudhir Kumar of Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, dark chocolates actually do us more harm. In a series of tweets, he delved deeper into the “darker side” of dark chocolate. Dr. Sudheer shared that due to their potential health benefits such as richness in antioxidants and low sugar content, dark chocolates are gaining popularity. However, they are “healthier”. “Dark chocolate has a downside.
The Dark Side of Dark Chocolate1. Dark chocolates are popular because of their potential health benefits (they’re rich in antioxidants and good for the heart) and, in addition, they’re low in sugar. >50% consider them a safer and healthier alternative (compared to candy)
– Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM🇮🇳 (@hyderabaddoctor) January 26, 2023
The doctor elaborated that, according to research, some dark chocolate contains lead and cadmium, two heavy metals linked to a variety of health problems. He then explained to us how they could harm us.
“Continuous, long-term exposure to even small amounts of heavy metals can cause a variety of health problems. The risk is greatest for pregnant women and young children because the metals can cause developmental problems, affect brain development and lead to lower IQs.”
The doctor warned that chronic exposure to lead in adults can cause nervous system problems, high blood pressure, immune system suppression, kidney damage and reproductive problems.
While he warned us about the risks, he also suggested how we could mitigate them. We can consume dark chocolate with low lead/cadmium content and alternate them occasionally or with milk chocolate (low in heavy metal content).
The health expert has another approach: Eat dark chocolate with a lower cocoa content. He then shared a list of safe and dangerous dark chocolates available in the market.
The next time you reach for your favorite dark chocolate, think about what you’re actually consuming and how they may be affecting your health. There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy your favorite dark chocolate, but eating them in moderation is definitely a good idea.
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