Scientists have discovered a harmful chemical that may cause cancer in kale—a vegetable known for its numerous health benefits.
For a long time, kale has been praised as a superfood for human health. Rich in antioxidants and minerals such as iron, manganese, calcium, and potassium, kale offers many benefits, including: providing essential vitamins with low calories, preventing aging, promoting bone health, reducing the risk of heart disease, supporting cancer prevention, and improving vision.
However, this new discovery has left experts astonished because kale is more toxic than previously believed.
Kale is often praised as a nutritious vegetable that is good for health.
According to the UK nonprofit organization Alliance for Natural Health, samples of kale were collected from grocery stores across the United States for testing. The results showed that 7 out of 8 samples had concerning levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Interestingly, kale certified as “USDA Organic” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture contained higher levels of PFAS than conventional kale.
PFAS are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally and are found in soil, water, and air worldwide.
Since the 1950s, this synthetic chemical has been widely used in packaging, clothing, carpets, firefighting foam, and even toilet paper.
Previous studies have confirmed that these chemicals are linked to cancer and other health issues such as immune system disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, birth defects, and reproductive problems.
Scientists are still researching PFAS, including the best ways to detect, measure, and eliminate them from air and water, as well as determining their long-term effects.
Robert Verkerk, founder of the Alliance for Natural Health, stated that this finding has left researchers “stunned” because they previously expected lower chemical levels.
The new study revealed PFAS levels as high as 250 parts per trillion. Although there are no limits on PFAS in food in the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that no amount of PFAS exposure in drinking water can be considered safe.
Currently, kale samples have been sent to an EPA-certified laboratory for further testing. Previously, the FDA conducted analyses of kale from 2019 to 2021 and found no evidence of PFAS contamination.
The study results regarding kale have shocked scientists.
The cause of the PFAS contamination in kale has not yet been determined. However, Mr. Verkerk suspects that the vegetable may have been irrigated with PFAS-contaminated water or grown in fields with polluted soil.
“That’s quite frightening, and there’s no simple solution,” Mr. Verkerk said, urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to implement a better PFAS testing program for the entire U.S. food supply.
