Everyone knows that too much chocolate can be bad for you, but do we really know why?
New research shows that not only does it cause fatty deposits to build up over the consumer’s body (usually in the least desirable places!) but regular c consumption can lead to weaker bones and osteoporosis. Females eating chocolate on a daily basis were found to be more likely to have a lower bone density than someone not eating it.
The manufacturers actually make chocolates less healthy to improve the taste, according to a recent British Medical Journal, stating that “manufacturers often remove the healthy chemicals, like the flavanols (which help to increase the blood circulation), because these substances give it its bitter taste”.
Chocolate has many health problems too; it can cause:
- Migraines
- Cyclic Vomiting
- Hives
- Colic in breastfed babies
- Cystitis – non-infectious
- Anal Itching
- People with Wilson’s disease must avoid chocolate, according to the MedlinePlus website. This disease can cause a dangerous build-up of copper in the body.
In the United States, the typical person eats 11.5 pounds of chocolate annually simply because it is actually highly addictive. When ‘Chocoholics’ think they want more, it is their body simply ‘craving’ more. The same alkaloid compounds found in alcohol are also present in chocolate, researchers say. Other active substances, like caffeine and magnesium, are often suggested as potential contributors to cravings.
Chocolate products have a high lead content compared to other foods. Considering that Cocoa Beans have one of the lowest lead contents, where does this come from? Most of it enters the chocolate on its journey from the tree to your tongue. Seems it’s more about where the bean’s been. Shipping, processing and manufacturing expose it to the toxic metal.
This means that too much can lead to:
- Reproductive problems (in both men and women)
- High blood pressure and hypertension
- Nerve disorders
- Memory and concentration problems
- Muscle and joint pain
So next time you reach for that chocolate bar, please have a think as to what you are really letting yourself into. Why not find out if you have an intolerance with the intolerance testing group.
