Experts dispel myths on aluminum toxicity in everyday foods

Experts warn that excessive 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.

Aluminum is a naturally occurring element, which has led to various myths about its health impact. Some of these myths relate to a very popular drink in our country. Some believe that drinking tea with lemon results in the formation of aluminum citrate, which is supposedly very harmful to the brain. However, dietitians argue that such fears are greatly exaggerated.

The dietitians assure that although such information existed in public opinion until recently, it is a myth in this case. When brewing tea from leaves, only a fraction of the aluminum in them is released into the infusion. To make the drink harmful, it must be consumed in enormous quantities. 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, like red currants. However, these are not the only products that contain it. Interestingly, it is also present in herbs like caraway, marjoram, and thyme. Experts emphasize that in small quantities, aluminum does not pose a health risk to humans. Moreover, aluminum compounds are added to some medications and cosmetics and can leach into food from kitchenware.

Dietitians referred to a comparison involving tomato puree cooked in both aluminum and stainless steel pots. In the first case, the puree had approximately 17 mg of aluminum per 100 grams, whereas in the second case, it had none.

The method of preparation seems to significantly impact the aluminum content in certain food products. Using stainless steel pots is one way to avoid an excess of this element.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established that the safe weekly dose of aluminum is 1 mg per kilogram of body weight. A large dose taken at once can seriously impair the functioning of the central nervous system and accumulate in the bones and lungs. This element is particularly harmful to elderly people. Experts note that aluminum accumulates more quickly in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.