Aluminum in food: Experts dispel myths and safety concerns
Experts warn that an excess of aluminum can lead to serious health problems due to its toxic effects on the body. Unfortunately, this element is present in many popular food products such as tea and legumes.
3:18 PM EDT, July 27, 2024
Aluminum is a naturally occurring element, which has led to numerous myths about its impact on health. Some of these myths concern a very popular drink, tea. Some people believe that drinking tea with lemon leads to the formation of aluminum citrate, which they claim is very harmful to the brain. However, dietitians argue that such fears are greatly exaggerated.
Tea with lemon is certainly not harmful
The dietitians assure that although such information once circulated in public opinion, it is a myth regarding this combination. When brewing tea from leaves, only a fraction of the aluminum contained in them is released into the infusion. It would have to be consumed in enormous quantities to make such a drink harmful. Adding a slice of lemon to tea is certainly not harmful.
Aluminum can be found in many popular food products, such as cereals, mushrooms, legumes, and some fruits, such as red currants. These are not the only products that contain aluminum. Interestingly, it is also present in herbs like caraway, marjoram, and thyme. Experts emphasize that aluminum does not pose a health risk to humans in small quantities. Moreover, aluminum compounds are added to some medications and cosmetics and can leach into food from kitchenware.
Dietitians compared tomato puree cooked in aluminum and stainless steel pots. In the first case, the puree had approximately 0.5 mg of aluminum per ounce, whereas in the second case, it had none.
It seems that the method of preparation significantly impacts the aluminum content in certain food products. Stainless steel pots are one way to avoid an excess of this element.
What is the safe dose of aluminum?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established that the safe weekly dose of aluminum is 0.1 mg per pound of body weight. Consuming a large dose at once can seriously impair the functioning of the central nervous system and cause aluminum to accumulate in bones and lungs. This element is particularly harmful to elderly people. Experts note that aluminum accumulates more quickly in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease.
