Maybe You Should Rethink Using Aluminum Foil While Grilling

Before you wrap those potatoes or veggies in aluminum foil and throw them on the grill (or in the oven), you may want to read this...

A new study suggests cooking with aluminum foil can be dangerous to your health. The problem is the aluminum can leach into the food you're cooking from the foil. Now, small amounts of aluminum are not bad, and according to IFL Science,

Human bodies can excrete small amounts of aluminium very efficiently. This means that minimal exposure to aluminium is not a problem...

Aluminum is actually in a lot of food already, from corn, salt, and herbs to yellow cheese. It's even used in medicines like antacids or for antiperspirants. So aluminum isn't the enemy - It's large doses of the element that may cause a problem to your health.

Researchers are looking into the connection between aluminum foil and Alzheimer's disease (along with other health problems, as well). According to IFL Science,

...high concentrations of aluminium have been detected in the brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer’s disease....
Aluminium poses other health risks, too. Studies have suggested that high aluminium intake may be harmful to some patients with bone diseases or renal impairment. It also reduces the growth rate of human brain cells.

Now before you start panicking, realize that scientists are still studying the connection between aluminum foil and health factors - So don't be running to your doctor sure that you're going to start suffering from Alzheimer's.

If it is enough to make you uncomfortable and you would like to use something else (hey better safe than sorry, right), maybe consider picking up a "Grill Mat" or cook your potatoes and veggies inside, in a glass dish.

If you're a little concerned about this study but don't want to give up grilling with the foil, there is another option. Try to avoid foods that are acidic (like anything with lemon juice or foods with tomatoes) - The acid caused more aluminum to leach into foods (compared to non-acidic foods). And just don't grill as often with aluminum foil. If you cook your potatoes in foil every weekend, maybe make it into a once-a-month treat, or during special occasions.

Grilling Tips to Keep You Safe

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