Many chocolate products contain toxic heavy metals: new study

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This is a bitter pill to swallow. Many cocoa products in the US contain concerning levels of toxic heavy metals, a new study from George Washington University warns. Many cocoa products in the US contain worrisome levels of lead and cadmium, a new study from George Washington University warns. Picture Partners – stock.adobe.com Researchers analyzed 72 cocoa-based foods — including dark chocolate, often praised as a heart-healthy treat — over eight years. They found that 43% of the products contained an amount of lead that tops recommendations, while 35% exceeded cadmium limits. Surprisingly, organic-labeled products had higher levels of lead and cadmium than non-organic products, the researchers said. Contamination can come from soil or occur during manufacturing. A single serving of these cocoa items may not pose significant health risks, but several servings might. Leigh Frame, director of integrative medicine at GW, led the testing of 72 cocoa-based products. The George Washingto...

Older adults taking aspirin to prevent heart attack despite risks



Millions of older Americans are taking a daily dose of aspirin to lower their risk of having a heart attack or stroke for the first time — even though they shouldn’t, a new study finds.

Nearly a third of adults 60 and older who don’t have cardiovascular disease took aspirin in 2021, according to findings published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Past research suggests that daily aspirin usage may increase the risk of internal bleeding.

Millions of older Americans are taking a daily dose of aspirin to lower their risk of having a heart attack or stroke for the first time — even though they shouldn’t, a new study finds. fizkes – stock.adobe.com

Cardiovascular disease refers to several conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, heart arrhythmias, vascular disease, congenital heart defects, stroke and high blood pressure. Heart disease causes the most deaths in the US, while stroke is the fifth leading cause of death.

Aspirin has been hailed for its ability to keep platelets from sticking together and forming a blood clot that can spur a heart attack or stroke.

However, recent research has found that the benefit was offset by the risk of bleeding in the brain or stomach — and guidelines were modified to discourage daily aspirin usage among people over 60 who are considered to be at low or moderate risk for heart disease.

Aspirin has been hailed for its ability to keep platelets from sticking together and forming a blood clot that can spur a heart attack or stroke. But recent research suggests that daily aspirin usage may increase the risk of internal bleeding. betzalit – stock.adobe.com

Aspirin is still recommended for people who have had a stroke, heart attack or other heart problems.

The authors of the study published Monday found that aspirin usage declined from 2018 to 2019 after the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association changed their recommendations.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. Rawpixel.com – stock.adobe.com

Still, the researchers determined that 18.5 million Americans 60 and older took aspirin in 2021.

The study authors stress the “urgent need” for doctors to ask their older patients about aspirin usage and explain the benefits and risks to them.



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Many chocolate products contain toxic heavy metals: new study