Foiled Again

August 28, 2023Health

Is it convenient? Yes
Does it wrap things well? Yes
Is it what our parents used? Yes
Does it make heating things in the oven easier? Yes
Are there thousands of recipes that use foil as a cooking method? Yes
Should you be using aluminum foil? NO

When researching the safety of aluminum foil, you’ll read comments such as:

“it appears to be safe”
“there is currently no strong evidence linking the use of aluminum foil with an increased risk of disease”
“there are some potential health risks associated with its use”
“you’re probably safe, as long as you’re not over-using aluminum foil in your cooking”
“cooking red meat in aluminum foil could increase its aluminum content by between 89% and 378%”
“Cooking with aluminum foil can increase the amount of aluminum in your food. However, the amounts are very small and deemed safe by researchers.”
“It is possible that exposure to very high levels of dietary aluminum may contribute to the development of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s”
“a handful of studies have suggested that dietary aluminum could be an environmental risk factor for inflammatory bowel disease”
“The amount of aluminum that passes into your food when cooking with aluminum foil is affected by acidity, high temperatures, salt and spices.”
“If you eat food that’s wrapped in foil and then heated, you could be at risk for: Kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Breast cancer, Lung problems”
“All results clearly showed that some aluminum migrated from the aluminum foil into the food.” (Food Chemistry, 2001)
“fish fillets that were wrapped in aluminum foil during cooking found aluminum concentrations rose by a factor of 2 to 68. (Food Chemistry, 2001)”
“research has found high aluminum exposure correlates with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. (J Alzheimer’s Dis, 2011)”
“Pregnant women and developing babies are especially vulnerable to aluminum exposure. (I consider it one of the 5 reasons to avoid soy in pregnancy.)”
“high aluminum intake may be linked to a reduction in the growth rate of human cells, and may be potentially harmful for patients with bone diseases or renal impairment.”
“the body has numerous mechanisms in place to help rid the body of excess amounts of this metal.” but to what degree???
“There is such a thing as aluminum toxicity, which happens over time and could eventually be dangerous to your brain, bones, muscles and other tissues.”\
“Is there a concern for the home cook? According to the CDC, it doesn’t APPEAR so.”

We highly suggest NOT using aluminum foil as no amount of aluminum in your body is necessary. TOO MUCH IS TOXIC. Is it going to be an adjustment? Of course it is. Anything worthwhile takes a little effort. However, your body will thank you.