Aluminum is one of the essential elements for the root growth and development of tea plants, Camellia sinensis. Thus, aluminum exists naturally in Camellia Sinensis.
The toxicity of aluminum is controversial. Some studies suggest aluminum may increase the risk of breast cancer and affect the nervous system/brain health. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) says, “Some studies show that people exposed to high levels of aluminum may develop Alzheimer’s disease, but other studies have not found this to be true. We do not know for certain that aluminum causes Alzheimer’s disease.” ( https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/
Interestingly, despite the fact that tea contains aluminum, tea consumption seems to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, rather than increasing it.
One of the studies that talks about this issue: “Association of Tea Consumption with Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Anti-Beta-Amyloid Effects of Tea” ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Regarding the safe amount, this is what we’ve found:
“They (the Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung, or Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in Berlin, Germany) found that the average weekly diet-related aluminum exposure for an adult was 50% of the tolerable weekly intake set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), namely 1 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight per week.” (https://www.medicalnewstoday.
The following study was done by The National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO): “Safety assessment based on aluminum content in green tea” (https://www.naro.affrc.go.jp/
They concluded as follows: “There is no highly toxic aluminum ion (Al3+) in tea leaves and tea infusions. Part of them forms a complex with oxalic acid and fluorine. When rats were fed tea, the amount of aluminum absorbed in the body was considered to be about 1%, which is about the same as general foods.” In their study, they used “Bancha” green tea, and they mentioned they believe the result with Sencha would be similar: “When you eat about 6 g of green tea per day, which is considered to be effective for humans, the intake of aluminum is about 4 mg. The daily allowable intake is 1 mg per 1 kg of body weight. It is less likely to exceed the amount, although aluminum’s absorption into the human body needs to be confirmed.”
You might find this video interesting–https://
Dr. Greger is best known for his advocacy of a whole-food and plant-based diet.
This study, “Aluminum, a Friend or Foe of Higher Plants in Acid Soils,” shows aluminum helps to grow Camellia sinensis but too much would inhibit the growth:
Even though Aluminum helps Camellia Sinensis to grow, heavy metals are NOT allowed for organic fertilizers. Our certified organic products are qualified for Japanese and USDA organic standards. Japanese organic standard, JAS organic certification, does not allow fertilizers that contain any heavy metals. And of course, their fertilizers meet the organic standards.
On the other hand, “conventional” farming uses fertilizers that contain sulfuric acid. The sulfuric acid’s strong acidity increases the amount of aluminum available in the soil. Consequently, the conventionally grown tea plants absorb more aluminum from the soil. On top of pesticide & herbicide residues, a high amount of aluminum is another reason why we would like to choose organically grown teas.
If you are still concerned, taking clean chlorella and lots of fresh water daily is a great idea for the removal of aluminum from the body. Other foods that help eliminate aluminum include garlic, cilantro, parsley, chia seeds, flaxseeds, cold press unrefined coconut oil, and silicic water. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is another great source of silica. Also, exercise, mineral bath, and sauna will help flush toxins.
For optimal health, stress management is also important. Read https://groundgreentea.com/living-with-cancer/ for an inspiring story.
Meet the Author: Kiyomi
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