When cooking samgyeopsal (pork belly) or sweet potatoes, many people use aluminum foil. Especially at frozen pork belly restaurants, aluminum foil is often placed on the grill. However, there are claims that aluminum may cause dementia, prompting a closer look into this issue.
Under certain conditions, aluminum foil can release aluminum compounds. The most significant factor is high temperature. While the melting point of aluminum is 660 degrees Celsius, aluminum compounds can still gradually leach out at temperatures lower than this. According to a study in Turkey, using aluminum foil to cook red meat can increase the aluminum content in the meat by up to 378%.
Additionally, aluminum can also be released when it comes into contact with acidic or salty substances. According to a study by the Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment, when hydrochloric acid was boiled in an aluminum pot, the aluminum release ranged from an average of 23.90 mg/L to a maximum of 115.21 mg/L. Therefore, cooking acidic or salty foods using aluminum foil may increase the aluminum content in the food.
For healthy adults, aluminum leaching may not pose a significant problem as most of it is excreted in urine. However, individuals with weakened kidney function or the elderly may accumulate aluminum in their bodies, increasing the risk of dementia. Research suggests that individuals exposed to environments where aluminum is prevalent have a higher incidence of Alzheimer's disease.
When using aluminum foil, caution is needed as aluminum compounds can be released at high temperatures. It's also advisable to avoid using aluminum foil when cooking acidic foods. Representative examples include kimchi stew, pickles, kimchi ramen, and soybean paste stew.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that if a person weighing 60 kg consumes less than 120 mg of aluminum per week, it is considered safe for health. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends an even more conservative approach, suggesting not to exceed 1 mg per 1 kg of body weight per week. Additionally, besides food preparation, one should also be mindful of other sources of aluminum intake such as medications and cosmetics.
In conclusion, when using aluminum foil, consider the potential health effects of aluminum leaching at high temperatures. Particularly for individuals with weakened kidney function or the elderly, caution should be exercised regarding aluminum exposure. If possible, it's advisable to avoid using aluminum foil when cooking acidic foods.
