Aluminum foil has been used in North America for over a century. At first it was mostly for wrapping candy and food, but then now it is mostly used for baking and barbecuing food, or for steaming.
However, experts are concerned about the amount of this metallic paper we use on a daily basis and its impact on our health.
Are there any dangers using aluminum foil?
Scientists have shown that when aluminum foil is used to cook food, small particles can escape and enter the food, which can affect health in the long term.
Researchers have observed the risk of overexposure to aluminum for several years and have found a high concentration of aluminum in the brain tissue of people with Alzheimer's disease.
Studies also suggest a possible link between high aluminum uptake and reduced cell growth. In addition, a possible harmful effect is suspected in people with bone disease or kidney failure.
An impact linked to the type of food and temperature
According to science, two factors favor the infiltration of aluminum in food: temperature, which may increase the risks during cooking and acidity, which can decompose aluminum and also increase its risk of infiltration. Tomatoes and marinades are therefore not a good idea ...
Should we be concerned about possible damage caused by cooking with aluminum foil?
As with everything, you should go with moderation. If we don't abuse aluminium usage, then we should have nothing to worry about.
This process is not dangerous for most people, as the volume of aluminum infiltrating food during cooking is minimal. However, it is best to avoid using this product several times in the same week when you want to cook acidic foods.
However, if you have the slightest sign of Alzheimer's, it is safer to limit the use of aluminum foil. You also have to be careful about how much salt you add to the recipe, as this can also encourage the aluminum to seep in.
What other food packaging products are available on the market?
To decrease the use of aluminum foil in our life, you can turn to parchment paper, for example. For grilling vegetables, there are also options such as stainless steel grill basket or reusable skewers.
A glass dish is preferred for cooking vegetables in the oven and, for baked potatoes, you could use a a stainless steel plate. You can even replace aluminum foil with a banana leaf for cooking food in the oven.
Do you cook often with aluminum foil?
