Are Fruit Juices and Non-Dairy Milks Safe?

Toxic Metals found in Juice and Non-dairy Milks

A recent study published on May 4th, 2023, in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis discovered that many fruit juices and non-dairy milks may contain harmful levels of toxic metals.

In this study 60 samples of popular fruit juices and non-dairy milks were analyzed and more than half contained levels of arsenic, cadmium and lead that exceed allowable limits for drinking water.

As a Holistic Lifestyle Practitioner, I find this information extremely alarming since what is deemed as “acceptable” levels of metals in drinking water by government agencies are higher than what I find acceptable.

Tulane University in New Orleans Louisiana measured the concentrations of 25 toxic metals and trace elements in 60 beverages, including mixed fruit juices non-dairy milks (almond, oat, and soy), soft drinks, sodas, and teas. They concluded that seven of the 25 elements had levels of arsenic, cadmium, manganese, nickel, selenium, and strontium that exceeded the “allowable” limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Lead was detected in 93% of the samples, but at levels that were “allowable”. However, I will reiterate that these “low” levels likely exceed what most holistic practitioners and health-conscious consumers may find acceptable.

The researchers noted that the sources of contamination most likely entered the products through contaminated soil or water that was used during the growing or manufacturing process. This is not surprising considering how our soil and water has become increasingly toxic over the past few years. In fact, since I began working with Mineral Balancing in 2006, clients have been asked to avoid eating fish due to the toxicity of our water supply.

According to the study exposure to high levels of heavy metals can cause serious health consequences and are especially harmful for children and pregnant women. My concern is what do they consider to be “high” levels of exposure?

These metals have been linked to a variety of health issues, including cancer, and neurological problems. Lead and arsenic can cause cognitive and developmental problems in children. Cadmium has been linked to  kidney damage and osteoporosis.

"People should avoid giving infants and young children mixed-fruit juices or plant-based milks at high volume," cautioned Tewodros Godebo, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Environmental Health Sciences at Tulane, . "Arsenic, lead and cadmium are known carcinogens and well established to cause internal organ damage and cognitive harm in children, especially during early brain development."

However, I would recommend not consuming any of these products. Soy milk is not recommended as it is an endocrine disruptor which may cause a variety of health issues.

SOLUTIONS:

In my opinion, non-dairy milks are not “real” food and raw milk, purchased from a sanitary farm, is far superior to any of these non-dairy milk options and provides a myriad of health benefits. You can contact Weston A Price and find a local chapter that can assist you in finding raw milk.

While I occasionally use a little coconut milk, I plan to research the safety of coconut milk after reviewing this article. Stay tuned for more information on coconut milk.

Avoid all fruit juices due to the high sugar content. Most fruit juices are manufactured by using the overripe or “rotten” fruit that is no longer fit for consumption, which is another reason to remove fruit juice from your family’s diet.

A Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis will give you insight to the levels of toxic metals in your body and with your program, you can begin to detoxify from these harmful heavy metals. Another reason to start your Mineral Balancing Program today.