Content sourced from US Congress report and Scientific Report
Abstract
Did you know many of the foods we eat today contain heavy metals? Heavy metals can be naturally found in soils around the world. But also chemicals used in growing fruits and vegetables can increase contamination levels. Chemical contamination of foods pose a significant risk to consumers. A source of this risk is due to the consumption of products contaminated with heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The goal was to verify which of these food groups was more contaminated with heavy metals. In the study sited, the content of Cd and Pb was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The tests showed that the levels of Cd and Pb concentration in samples of fresh, processed, frozen and dried fruits and vegetables varied substantially. Several fruit and vegetable samples exceeded the maximum permissible concentrations of Cd and Pb. The contamination of these products could be a significant source of consumer exposure to heavy metals when these products are a part of the diet.
The issue with Heavy Metals
Heavy metals can be the cause of many chronic diseases whose symptoms are different depending on the level of toxicity of an element, as well as the duration and level of exposure. Kidneys and liver are the main organs especially sensitive to Cd toxicity. In the human body, Cd most often causes damage to both of these organs, as well as the testicles, lungs and bones. In addition, it causes a carcinogenic effect, initiating cancers of the prostate, kidneys, pancreas and testicles. This element negatively affects the function of the skeletal system by disturbing the metabolism of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron ions. In turn, Pb is a neurotoxic element. In the general public, but specially in children, elevated levels of Pb in the blood may cause changes in the brain, manifested by: lowering of the IQ level, a problem with proper perception and concentration and a hyperactivity. Chronic exposure to Pb can be associated with an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that Pb could have a role in the pathogenesis of deep vein thrombosis of lower limbs
The Results
In the case of vegetables, this result was observed in: fresh beetroots (n = 2; 203% and 670% of maximum level), frozen carrot (n = 1; 113% of maximum level), fresh celery (n = 4; 130%, 150%, 345%, 356% of maximum level) and processed tomatoes (n = 3; 102%, 112%, 134% of maximum level). The maximum permissible Pb level was exceeded in 3 analyzed food samples: fresh beetroot (n = 1; 135% of maximum level), frozen carrot (n = 1; 117% of maximum level) and 1 sample of frozen tomatoes in which the Pb concentration was up to 1074% of the acceptable limit.
What can be done?
Brilliant Fields in conjunction with Brilliant Baby Foods has created a fully indoor, climate controlled growing system. This system doesn’t require any soils to grow the needed crops. It is through innovation like this that was can begin to provide clean, healthy products onto the market. Learn more at www.brilliantbabyfoods.com or www.brilliantfields.com.
Sources: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-91554-z
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