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...

Doctor reveals 3 awful skincare mistakes she sees daily


She’s tired of pore behavior.

Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist based in Southern California, is sharing three skincare sins that she sees often — using too many products, skipping sun protection and copying your friend’s routine even if it’s not what’s best for you.

“I see patients making these mistakes all the time,” Shirazi lamented in a Monday TikTok.


Shirazi says only three products are necessary — cleanser, moisturizer and an SPF to protect against harsh rays.
Shirazi says only three products are necessary — cleanser, moisturizer and an SPF to protect against harsh rays. Liubov Levytska – stock.adobe.com

Using too many products

Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist based in New York, likens the skin barrier to “armor, in that it breaks down aggressors” such as pollutants, allergens and irritants “so that they are rendered harmless.”

Each ingredient you put on your skin threatens the barrier, Robinson told The New York Times last year. Stressing your skin — the body’s largest organ — can lead to redness, dryness, breakouts and other woes.

Shirazi says only three products are necessary — cleanser, moisturizer and an SPF to protect against harsh rays.

“If you have acne or you want to do something for anti-aging, add in a treatment step in between your cleanser and moisturizer,” she advised.

Skipping sun protection

Skincare experts insist upon sunscreen use — for her part, Shirazi is highlighting the importance of focusing on delicate skin that’s prone to sun damage.

“I remove a lot of skin cancer from these areas — the eyelids, the lips, the ears, neck and chest, as well as the back of the hands,” she shared.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to estimates. It’s the most common cancer in the US.


Shirazi recommends devising a skincare regimen that's best for you.
Shirazi recommends devising a skincare regimen that’s best for you. serhiibobyk – stock.adobe.com

Copying a friend’s skincare routine

The global skincare market was valued at $146.7 billion in 2021, with one research firm projecting it will reach $273.3 billion by 2031. There are a lot of product options for every skin type.

Shirazi recommends developing a regimen that’s best for you.

“Make sure that you are using specific products that are good for your skin type and your concern, because everybody’s skin is different,” Shirazi said.

“You see all these people, all these influencers online that are promoting this product and that product, and people get distracted,” she continued. “Their friend is using this miracle gel and so they started, but it’s not the right treatment for them.”





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