Chocolate lovers are facing major shock this valentine’s day. Chocolate prices have risen 14.4% y-o-y in 2026.


Chocolate Prices Rise 14.4% Y-O-Y in 2026

Chocolate is a beloved food savoured by millions worldwide. It is widely used to make a variety of sweets and desserts. However, a recent study has unveiled the presence of heavy metals in chocolates. Does this mean chocolates cannot be used subsequently? It is important to understand how heavy metals end up in chocolates.

Chocolate production begins with the cocoa tree, which grows mostly in the tropical regions near the equator. The process involves several steps, each providing a chance for heavy metal contamination. The soil contains high levels of heavy metals absorbed by the cocoa trees. Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust and other harmful pollutants released into the air can settle on leaves and cocoa beans.

During fermentation and drying, which often occurs on the farm, beans may contact with contaminated surfaces or tools. While essential for flavour development, the roasting process can also concentrate heavy metals already present in the beans. In chocolate factories, additional contamination can occur by using contaminated water or introducing other ingredients that may contain heavy metals. Equipment used in processing, especially if it is old or poorly maintained, can also be a source of contamination. Even after the chocolate is produced, the risk of heavy metal contamination is high. Some packaging materials may contain traces of heavy metals that may leach into the chocolate over time.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiql_3w14WIAxX7ja8BHY_5F8MQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mpox-india-update-centre-tells-international-airports-to-be-vigilant-751404" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mpox-india-update-centre-tells-international-airports-to-be-vigilant-751404&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiql_3w14WIAxX7ja8BHY_5F8MQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">Mpox scare: Indian govt tells international airports to be vigilant about passengers with symptoms</a>

Various types of metals like lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic could potentially contaminate chocolates. The presence of heavy metals in chocolate is concerning because these substances can accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to health problems. Chronic exposure to heavy metals has been linked to a range of issues, including cognitive impairment, kidney damage and a higher risk of cancer. However, it is important to note that the levels of heavy metals found in commercially available chocolates are typically very low. Regulatory bodies in many countries set limits on the amount of heavy metals allowed in food products, including chocolates.

Although dark chocolate is often praised for its health benefits, it tends to have more heavy metals due to its higher cacao content. While picking out chocolate, it is advised to take a look at the cacao percentage. The higher it is, the more potential there is for heavy metals. Hence, it is advisable to go easy on super-dark varieties. It is also worth considering where chocolate comes from, as some regions have more soil contamination than others. Lastly, it is important to stay in the loop about what health authorities are saying about heavy metals in food. By being an informed chocolate consumer, you can continue to indulge your sweet tooth while minimising potential risks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiql_3w14WIAxX7ja8BHY_5F8MQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-records-first-polio-case-in-25-years-amid-raging-state-of-war-751255" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-records-first-polio-case-in-25-years-amid-raging-state-of-war-751255&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiql_3w14WIAxX7ja8BHY_5F8MQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Gaza records first polio case in 25 years amid raging state of war</a>

Many manufacturers are working to identify sources of contamination in their supply chains and implement measures to reduce heavy metal levels. This includes working with farmers to improve soil quality, updating processing equipment and enhancing quality control measures. The presence of heavy metals in chocolate is a complex issue that starts at the cacao farm and continues through the entire production process.

As Ashwin Bhadri, CEO of Equinox Labs says, “While it is a concern that deserves attention, it is important to keep perspective. The levels of heavy metals in commercially available chocolate are typically low and unlikely to cause immediate health effects. However, given the potential for long-term accumulation in the body, it is wise to be mindful of consumption, especially for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.”

Chocolate is a beloved food savoured by millions worldwide. It is widely used to make a variety of sweets and desserts. However, a recent study has unveiled the presence of heavy metals in chocolates.

Chocolate is a beloved food savoured by millions worldwide. It is widely used to make a variety of sweets and desserts. However, a recent study has unveiled the presence of heavy metals in chocolates. Does this mean chocolates cannot be used subsequently? It is important to understand how heavy metals end up in chocolates. Chocolate production begins with the cocoa tree, which grows mostly in the tropical regions near the equator. The process involves several steps, each providing a chance for heavy metal contamination. The soil contains high levels of heavy metals absorbed by the cocoa trees. Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust and other harmful pollutants released into the air can settle on leaves and cocoa beans. During fermentation and drying, which often occurs on the farm, beans may contact with contaminated surfaces or tools. While essential for flavour development, the roasting process can also concentrate heavy metals already present in the beans. In chocolate factories, additional contamination can occur by using contaminated water or introducing other ingredients that may contain heavy metals. Equipment used in processing, especially if it is old or poorly maintained, can also be a source of contamination. Even after the chocolate is produced, the risk of heavy metal contamination is high. Some packaging materials may contain traces of heavy metals that may leach into the chocolate over time. Also read: Mpox scare: Indian govt tells international airports to be vigilant about passengers with symptoms Various types of metals like lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic could potentially contaminate chocolates. The presence of heavy metals in chocolate is concerning because these substances can accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to health problems. Chronic exposure to heavy metals has been linked to a range of issues, including cognitive impairment, kidney damage and a higher risk of cancer. However, it is important to note that the levels of heavy metals found in commercially available chocolates are typically very low. Regulatory bodies in many countries set limits on the amount of heavy metals allowed in food products, including chocolates. Although dark chocolate is often praised for its health benefits, it tends to have more heavy metals due to its higher cacao content. While picking out chocolate, it is advised to take a look at the cacao percentage. The higher it is, the more potential there is for heavy metals. Hence, it is advisable to go easy on super-dark varieties. It is also worth considering where chocolate comes from, as some regions have more soil contamination than others. Lastly, it is important to stay in the loop about what health authorities are saying about heavy metals in food. By being an informed chocolate consumer, you can continue to indulge your sweet tooth while minimising potential risks. Also read: Gaza records first polio case in 25 years amid raging state of war Many manufacturers are working to identify sources of contamination in their supply chains and implement measures to reduce heavy metal levels. This includes working with farmers to improve soil quality, updating processing equipment and enhancing quality control measures. The presence of heavy metals in chocolate is a complex issue that starts at the cacao farm and continues through the entire production process. As Ashwin Bhadri, CEO of Equinox Labs says, “While it is a concern that deserves attention, it is important to keep perspective. The levels of heavy metals in commercially available chocolate are typically low and unlikely to cause immediate health effects. However, given the potential for long-term accumulation in the body, it is wise to be mindful of consumption, especially for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.”

The surprising journey of heavy metals in chocolate

Chinese luxury liquor manufacturer Kweichow Moutai is set to introduce a limited edition of alcohol-infused chocolates. The move aims to attract a younger consumer base and is being done via a "sweet" collaboration with Mars, Inc.-owned Dove.

<h2>Boozy chocolates</h2>

The boozy chocolates will be available from Saturday (September 23) and the announcement of this collaboration quickly gained attention on China's social media platform Weibo.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-develops-artificial-liver-that-works-outside-the-human-body-637239">China develops artificial liver that works outside the human body</a>

Within an hour of the announcement, as per Reuters, a hashtag of the collaboration leapt to the top of the trending topic list on China's social media Weibo.&nbsp;

<h2>Infusion is key</h2>

Just 10 days ago, Moutai partnered with Luckin Coffee to launch a baijiu-infused latte, which also generated significant online interest and sold out in many Chinese cities.

Moutai, often referred to as the national liquor of China, is known for its potent, colorless spirit commonly served at banquets. However, the company is seeking to expand its appeal to a younger demographic, as it has been concerned about its heavy reliance on older consumers for its sales.

As per Jason Yu, greater China managing director of market research firm Kantar Worldpanel, this move "demonstrates Moutai's desire to broaden their appeal more to younger consumers."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-australian-man-fined-nearly-1500-for-taking-pet-snake-surfing-637175">WATCH | Australian man fined nearly $1,500 for taking pet snake surfing</a>

"They fear their current base is too concentrated on older consumers, and that makes them worry about the future of the brand."

Last year, Moutai also collaborated with a domestic dairy company, Mengniu, and introduced alcohol-infused ice creams that also garnered attention from Chinese consumers. This was the beginning of Moutai's collaboration journey.

As per Reuters, these unique "quirky" partnerships offer youngsters the opportunity to engage with the Moutai brand at a fraction of the cost of buying a bottle of its liquor, which typically has an average market price of 1,499 yuan ($206) for a 500 ml bottle.

While the pricing details for the upcoming Moutai and Dove liquor-infused chocolates have not been disclosed yet, the Moutai-infused Luckin lattes were available for as little as 19 yuan with coupons, and a small tub of the alcoholic ice cream was priced at 60 yuan.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese luxury liquor manufacturer Kweichow Moutai is set to introduce a limited edition of alcohol-infused chocolates. The move aims to attract a younger consumer base and is being done via a "sweet" collaboration with Mars, Inc.

Chinese luxury liquor manufacturer Kweichow Moutai is set to introduce a limited edition of alcohol-infused chocolates. The move aims to attract a younger consumer base and is being done via a "sweet" collaboration with Mars, Inc.-owned Dove. Boozy chocolates The boozy chocolates will be available from Saturday (September 23) and the announcement of this collaboration quickly gained attention on China's social media platform Weibo. Also read | China develops artificial liver that works outside the human body Within an hour of the announcement, as per Reuters, a hashtag of the collaboration leapt to the top of the trending topic list on China's social media Weibo. Infusion is key Just 10 days ago, Moutai partnered with Luckin Coffee to launch a baijiu-infused latte, which also generated significant online interest and sold out in many Chinese cities. Moutai, often referred to as the national liquor of China, is known for its potent, colorless spirit commonly served at banquets. However, the company is seeking to expand its appeal to a younger demographic, as it has been concerned about its heavy reliance on older consumers for its sales. As per Jason Yu, greater China managing director of market research firm Kantar Worldpanel, this move "demonstrates Moutai's desire to broaden their appeal more to younger consumers." Also read | WATCH | Australian man fined nearly $1,500 for taking pet snake surfing "They fear their current base is too concentrated on older consumers, and that makes them worry about the future of the brand." Last year, Moutai also collaborated with a domestic dairy company, Mengniu, and introduced alcohol-infused ice creams that also garnered attention from Chinese consumers. This was the beginning of Moutai's collaboration journey. As per Reuters, these unique "quirky" partnerships offer youngsters the opportunity to engage with the Moutai brand at a fraction of the cost of buying a bottle of its liquor, which typically has an average market price of 1,499 yuan ($206) for a 500 ml bottle. While the pricing details for the upcoming Moutai and Dove liquor-infused chocolates have not been disclosed yet, the Moutai-infused Luckin lattes were available for as little as 19 yuan with coupons, and a small tub of the alcoholic ice cream was priced at 60 yuan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese luxury liquor manufacturer introduces 'boozy' chocolates for youngsters

Indian action superstar Tiger Shroff is popularly known for his magnificent screen presence which comes along with the number of hours he spends in the gym. But not many know that despite the number of hours he spends building his muscles and maintaining them in the gym, he doesn't let go of his cheat days easily.

Recently while talking about his cheat meals and how passionately he eats food on Sundays, he said, "Har Sunday ko mera cheat day hota hai!! (Every Sunday is my cheat day) Chocolates, ice creams, pizzas, vada pav- I mix everything up and eat."

He added, "4 to 5 scoops of ice creams minimum on a cheat day and a half to 1 kg of cake, I could eat alone. Hence, I have a huge sweet tooth!!”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-priyanka-chopra-no-longer-an-owner-of-new-york-eatery-sona-626353">Priyanka Chopra no longer an owner of New York eatery Sona</a>

In the world of glitz and glamour, Shroff stands out not only for his on-screen charisma but also for his authentic approach to health and well-being.

Meanwhile, on the work front, he will next be seen in Ganapath, Baaghi 4, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan amongst many others.

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Indian action superstar Tiger Shroff is popularly known for his magnificent screen presence which comes along with the number of hours he spends in the gym. But not many know that despite the number of hours he spends building his muscles and maintaining them in the gym, he doesn't let go of his cheat days easily.

Indian action superstar Tiger Shroff is popularly known for his magnificent screen presence which comes along with the number of hours he spends in the gym. But not many know that despite the number of hours he spends building his muscles and maintaining them in the gym, he doesn't let go of his cheat days easily. Recently while talking about his cheat meals and how passionately he eats food on Sundays, he said, "Har Sunday ko mera cheat day hota hai!! (Every Sunday is my cheat day) Chocolates, ice creams, pizzas, vada pav- I mix everything up and eat." He added, "4 to 5 scoops of ice creams minimum on a cheat day and a half to 1 kg of cake, I could eat alone. Hence, I have a huge sweet tooth!!” Also read: Priyanka Chopra no longer an owner of New York eatery Sona In the world of glitz and glamour, Shroff stands out not only for his on-screen charisma but also for his authentic approach to health and well-being. Meanwhile, on the work front, he will next be seen in Ganapath, Baaghi 4, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan amongst many others. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Did you know that Tiger Shroff’s cheat day includes a mix of chocolates, pizzas, vada pav, cake & icecreams?

A video of Indian cricketer MS Dhoni went viral in which an air hostess was seen offering him chocolates inside the flight. However, what caught people's attention was Dhoni playing Candy Crush, which eventually triggered 3.6 million downloads of the gaming application in just three hours.

<h2 lang="en-US">Viral Video of Dhoni</h2>

In the viral video, MS Dhoni, along with his wife Sakshi Dhoni was seen travelling in an Indigo flight on Sunday, as the cricketer was seen playing candy crush on his tablet.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-india-chief-selector-reveals-how-ms-dhoni-became-indias-permanent-white-ball-captain-607025">Former India chief selector reveals how MS Dhoni became India's permanent white-ball captain</a>

An air hostess can be seen offering chocolates, sweets as well as a note to the Chennai Super Kings skipper. When the air hostess offered sweets and chocolates to the legendary cricketer, he obliged her by taking a packet of 'Omani dates'.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MS Dhoni - the crowd favourite. <a href="https://t.co/ltpud9P9Jj">pic.twitter.com/ltpud9P9Jj</a>
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1672897357212708864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The air hostess was seen engaging in a friendly conversation with the skipper before returning back to work. The brief video clip left his fans praising the cricketer for his simplicity as he was seen sitting in the flight's economy class despite being an established star. 
 
However, what was more unexpected was how fans caught the skipper playing Candy Crush on a tablet aboard an IndiGo flight in the viral video. The video went viral on social media so much that the hashtag Candy Crush started trending along with MS Dhoni on Twitter.

<h2 lang="en-US">3.6 million downloads of Candy Crush</h2>

Since the video was posted online, it accumulated more than 8.7 lakhs and the numbers continue to increase. The video also received a flurry of comments. 
 
“Lol playing candy crush and eating candy,” said a user. Another commented, “Dhoni is my all-time favourite Cricket player.” “Dhoni playing Candy Crush,” wrote a third user. “The man! The myth! The legend! Travelling in Economy class,” said a social media user. 
 
As the video of MS Dhoni playing Candy Crush went viral, another tweet surfaced online which gained a fair amount of traction. The tweet read, "Just In - We Got 3.6 Million New Downloads in just 3 hours. Thanks to the Indian Cricket Legend @msdhoni. We are Trending In India Just Because Of You. #Candycrush #MSDhoni ~ Team Candy Crush Saga."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Just In - We Got 3.6 Million New Downloads in just 3 hours. 
 
Thanks to the Indian Cricket Legend <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> . We are Trending In India Just Because Of You. 
 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Candycrush?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Candycrush</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni%F0%93%83%B5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni𓃵</a> 
 
~ Team Candy Crush Saga <a href="https://t.co/LkpY8smxzA">pic.twitter.com/LkpY8smxzA</a>
— Candy Crush Saga Official (@teams_dream) <a href="https://twitter.com/teams_dream/status/1672944660250238976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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However, this Twitter account is not Candy Crush's official account. However, the tweet fueled the buzz around Candy Crush and the cricketer, highlighting Dhoni's immense influence over his fans.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Story of the magical Mahendra Singh Dhoni

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M S Dhoni is an avid gamer, especially in the field of video games and is known to enjoy playing games like FIFA, Call of Duty, and PubG along with his teammates. Indian pacer Ishant Sharma had recently, in an episode of The Ranveer Show on YouTube, said, "We all carry PlayStations wherever we go. Mahi bhai loves playing online/video games like Call of Duty and he's quite fond of PubG."

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A video of Indian cricketer MS Dhoni went viral in which an air hostess was seen offering him chocolates inside the flight. However, what caught people's attention was Dhoni playing Candy Crush, which eventually triggered 3.

A video of Indian cricketer MS Dhoni went viral in which an air hostess was seen offering him chocolates inside the flight. However, what caught people's attention was Dhoni playing Candy Crush, which eventually triggered 3.6 million downloads of the gaming application in just three hours. Viral Video of Dhoni In the viral video, MS Dhoni, along with his wife Sakshi Dhoni was seen travelling in an Indigo flight on Sunday, as the cricketer was seen playing candy crush on his tablet. ALSO READ | Former India chief selector reveals how MS Dhoni became India's permanent white-ball captain An air hostess can be seen offering chocolates, sweets as well as a note to the Chennai Super Kings skipper. When the air hostess offered sweets and chocolates to the legendary cricketer, he obliged her by taking a packet of 'Omani dates'. MS Dhoni - the crowd favourite. pic.twitter.com/ltpud9P9Jj — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 25, 2023 × The air hostess was seen engaging in a friendly conversation with the skipper before returning back to work. The brief video clip left his fans praising the cricketer for his simplicity as he was seen sitting in the flight's economy class despite being an established star. However, what was more unexpected was how fans caught the skipper playing Candy Crush on a tablet aboard an IndiGo flight in the viral video. The video went viral on social media so much that the hashtag Candy Crush started trending along with MS Dhoni on Twitter. 3.6 million downloads of Candy Crush Since the video was posted online, it accumulated more than 8.7 lakhs and the numbers continue to increase. The video also received a flurry of comments. “Lol playing candy crush and eating candy,” said a user. Another commented, “Dhoni is my all-time favourite Cricket player.” “Dhoni playing Candy Crush,” wrote a third user. “The man! The myth! The legend! Travelling in Economy class,” said a social media user. As the video of MS Dhoni playing Candy Crush went viral, another tweet surfaced online which gained a fair amount of traction. The tweet read, "Just In - We Got 3.6 Million New Downloads in just 3 hours. Thanks to the Indian Cricket Legend @msdhoni. We are Trending In India Just Because Of You. #Candycrush #MSDhoni ~ Team Candy Crush Saga." Just In - We Got 3.6 Million New Downloads in just 3 hours. Thanks to the Indian Cricket Legend @msdhoni . We are Trending In India Just Because Of You. #Candycrush #MSDhoni𓃵 ~ Team Candy Crush Saga pic.twitter.com/LkpY8smxzA — Candy Crush Saga Official (@teams_dream) June 25, 2023 × However, this Twitter account is not Candy Crush's official account. However, the tweet fueled the buzz around Candy Crush and the cricketer, highlighting Dhoni's immense influence over his fans. WATCH | Gravitas: Story of the magical Mahendra Singh Dhoni M S Dhoni is an avid gamer, especially in the field of video games and is known to enjoy playing games like FIFA, Call of Duty, and PubG along with his teammates. Indian pacer Ishant Sharma had recently, in an episode of The Ranveer Show on YouTube, said, "We all carry PlayStations wherever we go. Mahi bhai loves playing online/video games like Call of Duty and he's quite fond of PubG." You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WATCH | MS Dhoni's viral video gets Candy Crush 3.6 million downloads in just 3 hours?

World Oral Health Day 2023:&nbsp;Oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Poor oral hygiene, increased intake of foods with high sugar content, poor access to oral health care services, poor lifestyle, smoking and alcohol are just some of the factors that affect our oral health. The most common dental problems are gingivitis, dental caries, and periodontitis. Cavities, also called dental caries and tooth decay, can cause pain, infection, and sometimes even tooth loss. It occurs when plaque forms on the tooth's surface and bacteria in the mouth make acids that attack the enamel.

Sugary food items like chocolates and candies have long been blamed for tooth decay, but a 2021 research paper titled&nbsp;The Impact of Carbohydrate Quality on Dental Plaque pH: Does the Glycemic Index of Starchy Foods Matter for Dental Health?&nbsp;suggests that complex carbohydrates are the real culprit. The study has found that diets high in complex carbohydrates can increase the risk of tooth decay, while diets low in complex carbohydrates and high in proteins and fats can help prevent tooth decay. This is mainly because proteins and fats are broken down differently in the body and do not provide the same food source for the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Overall, the research suggests that complex carbohydrates, rather than sugary food items like chocolates, may be the primary cause of tooth decay. On World Oral Health Day, which is celebrated on March 20 every year, let's learn more about oral hygiene and health!&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-fitness-coach-shares-tips-to-combat-obesity-and-aid-weight-loss-571827">Fitness coach shares tips to combat obesity and aid weight loss</a>

Speaking exclusively to WION,&nbsp;Dr Pratibha Mahajan,&nbsp;Oral &amp; Maxillo-Facial Surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, shared the following:

<ol>
	<li>All types of food affect dental health.&nbsp;Unlike complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats are low-risk foods for dental health due to their non-acidic and non-sticky nature. Apart from the amino acids, animal proteins contain phosphorus which is vital in improving the strength of teeth and jaws.</li>
	<li>Sugary food items like chocolates have long been associated with tooth decay in the past due to their high sugar content and sticky nature. But they are not the only culprit. They're actually not all that bad for your teeth, provided that you eat them&nbsp;in moderation and follow a regular oral hygiene routine. Dark chocolates can even help you avoid cavities due to their&nbsp;antioxidant-rich nature.</li>
	<li>"How we eat" plays a bigger role than "what we eat", in terms of our oral health. Frequent snacking must be avoided to prevent tooth decay.&nbsp;Nibbling over sweets and sipping sugary or acidic beverages, especially in between meals, should be completely avoided.</li>
</ol>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-debunked-eye-doctor-talks-about-5-common-glaucoma-myths-570858">Debunked! Eye doctor blows the whistle on five common glaucoma myths</a>

"Thorough brushing of teeth at least twice a day, gargling thoroughly after every meal, eating fibre-rich food, drinking a lot of water and avoiding acidic pH developing in saliva are some other tips you must keep in mind for improved oral health," concluded Dr Mahajan.

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World Oral Health Day 2023: Oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Poor oral hygiene, increased intake of foods with high sugar content, poor access to oral health care services, poor lifestyle, smoking and alcohol are just some of the factors that affect our oral health.

World Oral Health Day 2023: Oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Poor oral hygiene, increased intake of foods with high sugar content, poor access to oral health care services, poor lifestyle, smoking and alcohol are just some of the factors that affect our oral health. The most common dental problems are gingivitis, dental caries, and periodontitis. Cavities, also called dental caries and tooth decay, can cause pain, infection, and sometimes even tooth loss. It occurs when plaque forms on the tooth's surface and bacteria in the mouth make acids that attack the enamel. Sugary food items like chocolates and candies have long been blamed for tooth decay, but a 2021 research paper titled The Impact of Carbohydrate Quality on Dental Plaque pH: Does the Glycemic Index of Starchy Foods Matter for Dental Health? suggests that complex carbohydrates are the real culprit. The study has found that diets high in complex carbohydrates can increase the risk of tooth decay, while diets low in complex carbohydrates and high in proteins and fats can help prevent tooth decay. This is mainly because proteins and fats are broken down differently in the body and do not provide the same food source for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Overall, the research suggests that complex carbohydrates, rather than sugary food items like chocolates, may be the primary cause of tooth decay. On World Oral Health Day, which is celebrated on March 20 every year, let's learn more about oral hygiene and health! Also read: Fitness coach shares tips to combat obesity and aid weight loss Speaking exclusively to WION, Dr Pratibha Mahajan, Oral & Maxillo-Facial Surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, shared the following: All types of food affect dental health. Unlike complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats are low-risk foods for dental health due to their non-acidic and non-sticky nature. Apart from the amino acids, animal proteins contain phosphorus which is vital in improving the strength of teeth and jaws. Sugary food items like chocolates have long been associated with tooth decay in the past due to their high sugar content and sticky nature. But they are not the only culprit. They're actually not all that bad for your teeth, provided that you eat them in moderation and follow a regular oral hygiene routine. Dark chocolates can even help you avoid cavities due to their antioxidant-rich nature. "How we eat" plays a bigger role than "what we eat", in terms of our oral health. Frequent snacking must be avoided to prevent tooth decay. Nibbling over sweets and sipping sugary or acidic beverages, especially in between meals, should be completely avoided. Also read: Debunked! Eye doctor blows the whistle on five common glaucoma myths "Thorough brushing of teeth at least twice a day, gargling thoroughly after every meal, eating fibre-rich food, drinking a lot of water and avoiding acidic pH developing in saliva are some other tips you must keep in mind for improved oral health," concluded Dr Mahajan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive | World Oral Health Day 2023: Dentist says chocolates aren’t the only culprits

Supermarket shelves are stacked high with cheap chocolate eggs but one company from the UK is making the difference especially when it comes to chocolate making for its easter eggs.

Chocolate making with a difference, Easter eggs made from organically-grown beans

Belgium has declared beer and chocolates as essential items. This comes after Belgians were told to eat fries twice a week. The Wuhan virus pandemic has indeed changed our platter. WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Pandemic and our plates

The Belgium government has categorised chocolate and beer as an essential item as certain shops were allowed to remain open during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Chocolate and Beer declared 'essential items' during Belgium's lockdown

Taste of safety: Masked Santa chocolates appear amid pandemic in Hungary

Models clad in chocolate gowns hit the runway in Brussels on Thursday (February 13) night for a show bringing together fashion designers and chocolatiers.

Fashion meets chocolate on Belgian catwalk

It&rsquo;s that time of year when the stakes can feel very high when choosing a chocolate for your sweetie. Yet the options are more bountiful and confounding than ever.

Valentine&rsquo;s Day chocolates in a growing number of stores are no longer limited to that familiar box of gooey, heart-shaped candies. Visit the sweets section of a Whole Foods or similar grocery store and you will see dozens of new and attractive chocolate bars stretching down the aisle, beckoning and bewildering in their variety.

Beyond mere deliciousness, many of them also claim a world-changing agenda, bearing a dizzying array of labels: Fairtrade, direct trade, Rainforest Alliance, IMO Fair for Life, American, bean to bar, raw, handmade, craft, artisan &ndash; to name just a few.

These fall, broadly, into two distinct groups. The first is the ethical trade labels (Fairtrade, direct trade, Rainforest Alliance, IMO Fair for Life), which aim to introduce economic and often environmental sustainability or improvement into the industry for cocoa farmers, whose work is underpaid and tenuous. The second comprises those labels that say something about the chocolate-making process itself (American, bean to bar, raw, handmade, craft, artisan). Generally these labels mean that the maker has turned cocoa beans into chocolate bars on a small scale, with attention to the differences between each batch &mdash; as distinct from mass-produced candies that are made to taste the same, every time we eat one.

Choosing from either category can send a message to both your loved one and the chocolate industry: that, as a consumer, you demand high standards for chocolate, either in fairness or quality. Faced with such a wide variety of labels, however, inevitable questions arise: is there any real difference between these labels and claims, or are they all simply marketing hype? And what does it mean to be artisanal?

What makes an artisan

Based on my studies of chocolate marketing, I have found many differences among these labels. Fairtrade, for example, guarantees a minimum price, as well as a social premium per ton of cocoa purchased. The former introduces stability to farmer income in a market where prices can fluctuate wildly, while the latter provides additional funds, which are generally used for development projects in farming villages. Direct trade also pays a premium, but also makes it a priority to maintain close and mutually supportive relationships with farmers over time, with regular visits between chocolate makers and cocoa producers. This means the trade relationship happens between actual people who know one another and does not get reduced to numbers on spreadsheets or items in a company budget.

But what has become in some ways more important to me, especially around the big chocolate holidays, is less the (sometimes fine) distinctions among these labels, and more what the labels say about the different marketing strategies pursued by the global chocolate giants. That is, Hershey, Mars, Cadbury and Nestle, which have dominated the industry for more than a century.

To illustrate: my current work examines the use of the term &ldquo;artisan&rdquo; by new chocolate makers and compares this with the historical meaning of the word. I am looking for similarities and differences between the definition &ndash; who actually is an artisan? &ndash; and how this word is used to sell chocolate.

Historically, an artisan was a person who spent long years as apprentice to a master, training in a craft, and &ldquo;graduated&rdquo; only when that master said the trainee was ready.

Because the twentieth century was so thoroughly dominated by a few chocolate companies, who guarded their manufacturing secrets quite closely, opportunities for chocolate apprenticeship vanished in the US. And yet, starting in 1997, when Scharffen Berger began marketing its chocolate as artisanal, the number of makers calling themselves &ldquo;artisan&rdquo; grew at an astonishing rate.

How chocolate artisans learn their craft

With no formal apprenticeship structure, where, I wondered, were these people learning to make chocolate? And how could they call themselves &ldquo;artisans&rdquo; if there was no one to evaluate whether they had mastered the craft?

I went into this research presuming that the word &ldquo;artisan&rdquo; on chocolate bars was essentially a marketing device; this came partly from my observations that many makers seemed to experience a learning curve only after their chocolate had debuted widely, improving in flavor and texture over time.

I have found other evidence for the marketing power of the term and continue to study what it means as new self-proclaimed artisan makers appear on the US market. In my initial consumer surveys, for example, chocolate lovers associate the term with having passion for chocolate making, rather than formal training in the craft. Furthermore, my initial review of these data suggests that consumers translate &ldquo;passion&rdquo; for the job into good flavor. So the word &ldquo;artisan&rdquo; seems to &ldquo;sell&rdquo; a delicious chocolate eating experience, which may or may not be true.

And yet, I also see that &ldquo;artisan&rdquo; is one label among many that, taken together, are doing important educational work in the chocolate industry. As the great variety of labels makes clear, new makers are working hard to make their chocolate stand out from the rest, but they all seem to share a goal of deeper engagement with this food. By advertising their bars with these labels, they are also asking that consumers join them in this work.

What&rsquo;s in a label

Some makers focus on the ethics of trade, using websites and product packaging to bring us <a href="https://askinosie.com/">images and stories</a> of farmers who grow cocoa. Others are passionate about cocoa bean strains, whose variety rivals that of wine grapes, and bring out the flavors of different harvests in their chocolates.

A few are keen to make us aware of the [complex mechanical process](link text of creating a chocolate bar. And a small but growing number are committed to keeping the value of chocolate-making with the farmers, by locating <a href="http://www.madecasse.com/our-story/">chocolate factories</a> close to the cocoa fields.

Each time we encounter a chocolate bar that makes some honest and open claim about its production, we have an opportunity to learn about this food. Purchasing these kinds of chocolate bars &ndash; bars that are really trying to teach us something about this supply chain, at whatever point the maker feels most capable of intervening &ndash; allows us to make a statement that we want to understand what we are eating.

For the love of chocolate

My research has suggested that the global chocolate giants are not, as they are sometimes portrayed, willfully perpetrating evil in the world. But I can confidently say they do not provide consumers with enough information about their product and process to help us make mindful chocolate purchases. The product packaging for major chocolate candies &ndash; Hershey&rsquo;s Kisses, Mars Milky Way, Nestle Crunch, for example &ndash; gives no indication that this food once grew on a tree, or that a farmer was involved in its production. These brands are sold on the strength of their recipe &ndash; a consistent taste over time &ndash; rather than information about where the cocoa came from, who grew it, or how it got from the farm to the factory.

As small-batch, &ldquo;neighborhood&rdquo; chocolate makers rise in number, no matter what label they choose, they are collectively working towards providing that information.

And this education at least opens the door to a future of equity, in which cocoa farmers would be better paid for their work, and chocolate eaters willing to pay a price that reflects its true value. In such a world, of course, we would not need any labels at all.

So buy your chocolate with love for Valentine&rsquo;s Day, by buying it thoughtfully. Read the labels, and all the information they provide, and choose one that feels right.

<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/37085/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" />We are not going to change the world in one holiday, or even a decade of Valentine&rsquo;s Days. But we will take the first step to a more just chocolate world if we take the time to know this food, and to understand all the skill and sweat and sacrifice that went into bringing it from a tree to our hands.

&nbsp;

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/labels-of-love-how-to-choose-chocolate-for-your-valentine-37085" rel="nofollow" target="blank">original article</a>.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Valentine’s Day chocolates in a growing number of stores are no longer limited to that familiar box of gooey, heart-shaped candies.

It’s that time of year when the stakes can feel very high when choosing a chocolate for your sweetie. Yet the options are more bountiful and confounding than ever. Valentine’s Day chocolates in a growing number of stores are no longer limited to that familiar box of gooey, heart-shaped candies. Visit the sweets section of a Whole Foods or similar grocery store and you will see dozens of new and attractive chocolate bars stretching down the aisle, beckoning and bewildering in their variety. Beyond mere deliciousness, many of them also claim a world-changing agenda, bearing a dizzying array of labels: Fairtrade, direct trade, Rainforest Alliance, IMO Fair for Life, American, bean to bar, raw, handmade, craft, artisan – to name just a few. These fall, broadly, into two distinct groups. The first is the ethical trade labels (Fairtrade, direct trade, Rainforest Alliance, IMO Fair for Life), which aim to introduce economic and often environmental sustainability or improvement into the industry for cocoa farmers, whose work is underpaid and tenuous. The second comprises those labels that say something about the chocolate-making process itself (American, bean to bar, raw, handmade, craft, artisan). Generally these labels mean that the maker has turned cocoa beans into chocolate bars on a small scale, with attention to the differences between each batch — as distinct from mass-produced candies that are made to taste the same, every time we eat one. Choosing from either category can send a message to both your loved one and the chocolate industry: that, as a consumer, you demand high standards for chocolate, either in fairness or quality. Faced with such a wide variety of labels, however, inevitable questions arise: is there any real difference between these labels and claims, or are they all simply marketing hype? And what does it mean to be artisanal? What makes an artisan Based on my studies of chocolate marketing, I have found many differences among these labels. Fairtrade, for example, guarantees a minimum price, as well as a social premium per ton of cocoa purchased. The former introduces stability to farmer income in a market where prices can fluctuate wildly, while the latter provides additional funds, which are generally used for development projects in farming villages. Direct trade also pays a premium, but also makes it a priority to maintain close and mutually supportive relationships with farmers over time, with regular visits between chocolate makers and cocoa producers. This means the trade relationship happens between actual people who know one another and does not get reduced to numbers on spreadsheets or items in a company budget. But what has become in some ways more important to me, especially around the big chocolate holidays, is less the (sometimes fine) distinctions among these labels, and more what the labels say about the different marketing strategies pursued by the global chocolate giants. That is, Hershey, Mars, Cadbury and Nestle, which have dominated the industry for more than a century. To illustrate: my current work examines the use of the term “artisan” by new chocolate makers and compares this with the historical meaning of the word. I am looking for similarities and differences between the definition – who actually is an artisan? – and how this word is used to sell chocolate. Historically, an artisan was a person who spent long years as apprentice to a master, training in a craft, and “graduated” only when that master said the trainee was ready. Because the twentieth century was so thoroughly dominated by a few chocolate companies, who guarded their manufacturing secrets quite closely, opportunities for chocolate apprenticeship vanished in the US. And yet, starting in 1997, when Scharffen Berger began marketing its chocolate as artisanal, the number of makers calling themselves “artisan” grew at an astonishing rate. How chocolate artisans learn their craft With no formal apprenticeship structure, where, I wondered, were these people learning to make chocolate? And how could they call themselves “artisans” if there was no one to evaluate whether they had mastered the craft? I went into this research presuming that the word “artisan” on chocolate bars was essentially a marketing device; this came partly from my observations that many makers seemed to experience a learning curve only after their chocolate had debuted widely, improving in flavor and texture over time. I have found other evidence for the marketing power of the term and continue to study what it means as new self-proclaimed artisan makers appear on the US market. In my initial consumer surveys, for example, chocolate lovers associate the term with having passion for chocolate making, rather than formal training in the craft. Furthermore, my initial review of these data suggests that consumers translate “passion” for the job into good flavor. So the word “artisan” seems to “sell” a delicious chocolate eating experience, which may or may not be true. And yet, I also see that “artisan” is one label among many that, taken together, are doing important educational work in the chocolate industry. As the great variety of labels makes clear, new makers are working hard to make their chocolate stand out from the rest, but they all seem to share a goal of deeper engagement with this food. By advertising their bars with these labels, they are also asking that consumers join them in this work. What’s in a label Some makers focus on the ethics of trade, using websites and product packaging to bring us images and stories of farmers who grow cocoa. Others are passionate about cocoa bean strains, whose variety rivals that of wine grapes, and bring out the flavors of different harvests in their chocolates. A few are keen to make us aware of the [complex mechanical process](link text of creating a chocolate bar. And a small but growing number are committed to keeping the value of chocolate-making with the farmers, by locating chocolate factories close to the cocoa fields. Each time we encounter a chocolate bar that makes some honest and open claim about its production, we have an opportunity to learn about this food. Purchasing these kinds of chocolate bars – bars that are really trying to teach us something about this supply chain, at whatever point the maker feels most capable of intervening – allows us to make a statement that we want to understand what we are eating. For the love of chocolate My research has suggested that the global chocolate giants are not, as they are sometimes portrayed, willfully perpetrating evil in the world. But I can confidently say they do not provide consumers with enough information about their product and process to help us make mindful chocolate purchases. The product packaging for major chocolate candies – Hershey’s Kisses, Mars Milky Way, Nestle Crunch, for example – gives no indication that this food once grew on a tree, or that a farmer was involved in its production. These brands are sold on the strength of their recipe – a consistent taste over time – rather than information about where the cocoa came from, who grew it, or how it got from the farm to the factory. As small-batch, “neighborhood” chocolate makers rise in number, no matter what label they choose, they are collectively working towards providing that information. And this education at least opens the door to a future of equity, in which cocoa farmers would be better paid for their work, and chocolate eaters willing to pay a price that reflects its true value. In such a world, of course, we would not need any labels at all. So buy your chocolate with love for Valentine’s Day, by buying it thoughtfully. Read the labels, and all the information they provide, and choose one that feels right. We are not going to change the world in one holiday, or even a decade of Valentine’s Days. But we will take the first step to a more just chocolate world if we take the time to know this food, and to understand all the skill and sweat and sacrifice that went into bringing it from a tree to our hands. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: How to choose chocolate for your Valentine

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