Rocking Out to Heavy Metal

In the every day hustle and bustle of our lives, we have incorporated juices into our diets because it is convenient and can serve as a meal supplement. But what are we really consuming? Many of us fail to read the labels, and if we do, we do not know what all of the ingredients are on the labels.

Consumer Reports found heavy metals in nearly half of 45 different fruit juices including Gerber, Minute Maid, Mott’s and even organic juices found at stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. When testing, CR focused on the following metals: cadmium, lead, mercury and inorganic arsenic inside of apple, grape, pear and juice blends. They also reported that organic juices’ heavy metal levels were just as high as non-organic juices. This means that we cannot assume that just because a juice is labeled organic it is a better beverage. With these heavy metals present in the juices we drink, how does it impact our health?

The trace levels of heavy metals found in these juices pose several risk factors that are harmful to both children and adults. These potential risks include behavioral issues, lower IQ, type 2 diabetes, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cancer, and other health problems depending on how long one was exposed to the metals and how much was consumed. Not only are these and other heavy metals found in our food and drink, but also in the environment which is absorbed by plants from contaminated water and soil.

In order to reduce the risk of health problems due to the exposure to these heavy metals in juices, here are seven tips you should follow:

  1. Read the labels.

If there are ingredients you are not familiar with, it may be best to avoid drinking it.

  1. Do your research.

The more you know, the more you grow and the less likely you are to the exposure of heavy metals.

  1. Don’t assume organic is better.

Just because a label says that it is organic not only means it may not be FULLY organic, but it could also contain just as much trace heavy metals as non-organic juices.

  1. Avoid juice boxes or pouches.

When children drink from straws, it not only sits on their teeth and risks cavities, but children tend to drink more of the juice which increases their exposure to the heavy metals.

  1. Limit consumption.

The fewer juices consumed, the lower the risk of exposure to these heavy metals which then reduce the risk of health problems due to metal absorption.

  1. Blend your own juices.

The best way to know exactly what is in your juices is to make your own! There are several different flavorful recipes for simple and easy-to-make juices.

  1. Get tested for heavy metals.

Know your body and get tested for heavy metals. Affordable Intolerance testing is not only affordable but is also noninvasive and results are given within days!

Next time you are craving a refreshing juice, be sure to do your research on the ingredients before you consume them or simply blend your own juices not only because you’ll know what’s in it, but it will also save you money!

Leave a reply