Could the benefits of antioxidants in red wine be outnumbered by the presence of “dangerously high levels” of inorganic arsenic? According to a class action lawsuit, dozens of California wineries are under scrutiny for having high levels of arsenic in the wine they produce. (Yes, arsenic. Like rat poison.)
The FDA classifies inorganic arsenic as a known human carcinogen. That means, inorganic arsenic – the kind that comes from industrial pollution, arsenic-based pesticides, and pressure-treated wood – causes cancer in humans. Organic arsenic (there really is such a thing) is naturally occurring in the earth and gets released into rocks, soil, water, and air. But, it’s the inorganic stuff you have to worry about.
If you are drinking cheap wine, you could be feeling the negative effects of the presence of this carcinogen. David Hicks, owner of an independent lab that analyzes wine, discovered high levels of arsenic in the libations he tested. According to Hicks, “the lower the price of wine on a per-liter basis, the higher the amount of arsenic.” That’s alarming, isn’t it?
In addition to several types of cancer, ingesting too much inorganic arsenic can lead to such unpleasant conditions as:
As with other foods and beverages (like coffee), opt for organic whenever possible.
Click here for a list of what constitutes organic when it comes to grapes and vineyards, and for the wines that made the favorites list.
Want to know if any of your health symptoms are a result of consuming too many additives and preservatives from the food you eat? Click here to book an appointment with AC Spine & Wellness – your local Lawrenceville wellness center – and find out about our in-house Food Sensitivity Testing.
