The Hidden Heavy Metal In Your Health Food Aisle
A recent study in BMC Plant Biology reveals that amaranth, a popular gluten-free superfood, can absorb dangerous levels of cadmium from contaminated soil withou
By Foodie Pundit Newsroom - Published - Updated - Section: Food Safety
Key points
- Your 'healthy' ancient grains like amaranth may contain hidden heavy metals like cadmium if grown in contaminated soil.
- Amaranth plants can appear healthy and produce a full yield even while absorbing toxins, making visual inspection an unreliable safety measure.
- Cadmium poses the most significant risk, accumulating in the seeds above safety limits, while lead, zinc, and manganese are less of a concern.
- Diversifying your diet with a variety of grains from different sources is a key strategy to mitigate risks from any single food.
- Supporting brands that are transparent about their sourcing and third-party testing for contaminants can help ensure the safety of your food.
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Sources and methodology
Reported from primary records. Open any source to verify a claim.
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