We’ve all used aluminum foil in the kitchen for wrapping food or for cooking but there are important things that we need to know about this kitchen item.

Aluminum is a neurotoxic heavy metal that has bad side effects on brain functions. It has even been associated with Alzheimer’s. Continued exposure to this heavy metal can lead to risky side effects such as decline in mental functions, loss of balance, loss of bodily control, loss or memory and coordination.

A study by some medical experts revealed that cooking with aluminum foil negatively affects the bones. This is because aluminum builds-up inside the bones and takes place of calcium by reducing its levels. The same research connected preparing food with aluminum foil with pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory conditions that are brought about by inhaling aluminum particles. The same is achieved when you grill with aluminum foil.

Many people do not know that when aluminum foil is exposed to high temperatures, some parts of it is emitted into the food and this exposes the food to heavy metals.

Dr. Essam Zubaidy from the American University of Sharjah noted that food cooked on aluminum foil can have up to 400 mg of the aluminum.  This type of foil is, therefore, not good for cooking or using with vegetables like spices and tomatoes. Never take more than 60mg of aluminum per day.