What are the most contaminated foods?
Written by
Leilani Ibeh
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.Some foods accumulate different heavy metals more than others due to environmental contamination and biological processes. Large ocean fish absorb mercury through the food chain. Vegetables planted in polluted soil accumulate lead and cadmium. Rice absorbs arsenic from underground water. Knowing the foods that carry the highest risk will be of great help to you in making the best food choices.
Aquatic Contamination
- Mercury accumulates up the food chain in large predatory fish
- Cadmium enters shellfish from industrial runoff in coastal waters
- Aluminum contaminates fish near mining operations
- Lead deposits in fish from polluted freshwater sources
Agricultural Absorption
- Leafy greens absorb lead and cadmium from contaminated soil
- Rice plants concentrate arsenic from groundwater irrigation
- Root vegetables store heavy metals in edible portions
- Cocoa plants accumulate cadmium in beans from volcanic soils
Industrial and agricultural pollutants exacerbate contamination. Non-organic spinach has an average lead content twice that of organic spinach. Conventional rice has an average arsenic level that is 10 times higher than that of basmati rice. Root vegetables from areas near highways absorb cadmium from automobile exhaust. These trends emphasize the importance of pursuit.
Preparation techniques considerably reduce the metal levels. Soak the rice overnight and rinse before cooking, which removes 30% of the arsenic. Peel the roots to remove cadmium, which is concentrated near the skin. Cook the fish in a way (such as grilling) that allows the fats to run off, thereby removing mercury.
Choosing sources of food greatly reduces the dangers. Select sardines and other small fish over tuna. Buy rice from the Himalayan region, where the soil contains low levels of arsenic. Use organic foods that contain 48% less cadmium. Use water filters approved for lead removal for cooking food. This all makes food safer.
Balance risks with benefits. Avoiding entire categories of food is not recommended. Instead, rotate high-risk food substances with metal-binding foods, such as cilantro. Consider getting an occasional hair mineral test if you have concerns. This way, variety can be maintained while cumulative exposure is minimized over time.
Read the full article: Heavy Metal Detox: Ultimate Natural Guide
