Dangers of aluminum foil: What foods to avoid for safe storage

Aluminum foil is a product found in nearly every American home. Many use it to grill meat, fish, and vegetables, bake cakes in the oven, and cover hot dishes.

We reach for it out of habit when we want to pack food to go. Not everyone is aware of the associated dangers. We risk our health by wrapping sandwiches, vegetables, or fruits in aluminum foil.

Aluminum, from which the foil is made, can be toxic in high concentrations. While most aluminum is expelled from our bodies through urine, it can be extremely dangerous for people with kidney problems. What diseases can it contribute to?

The accumulation of this element in cells increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, hormonal disorders, and reproductive system problems. The longer food has direct contact with aluminum foil, the more toxic substances leach into it, increasing the health risk.

One type of food, in particular, should never be wrapped in this kind of foil. It concerns acidic food products. When they react with aluminum, they form harmful aluminum salts. Foods that should not be wrapped in aluminum foil include citrus fruits, sauerkraut, pickled cucumbers, tomatoes, and apples.

The same applies to sandwiches containing these products and foods with many spices.

Since aluminum foil can be harmful, how should we store food? Consider replacing aluminum foil with alternatives such as wax paper or reusable containers.

This way, we ensure that aluminum won't leach into our bodies along with our food.