Those attractive gold leaf garnishes could affect your body.
Gold
leaf can be used as an eye-catching and attractive garnish in fancy dinners and
desserts (hello, gorgeous gold leaf on chocolates or in cocktails!)
However,
some food experts believe that unexpected ingredients may also have significant
health benefits.
"Gold
has been used in medicine, dentistry, and as a decorative food element since
ancient times," explains Ellie Marks, founder and chief editor of Simply
Mumma.
According
to the Food Republic, edible gold is now accepted as a food additive by the EU
and the US as long as it's pure (meaning 22-24 karats) and modified into a
fragile, edible form.
But,
exactly, what health benefits can you get from consuming gold? Continue reading
to learn what experts have to say (but consult your doctor or a dietitian first
before incorporating gold into your diet for any health reason).
1.
Gold may help those with rheumatoid arthritis
Those
with rheumatoid arthritis should consult their doctors about whether eating
gold—specifically, gold salt—can help.
According
to a 2015 study published in the sixth edition of Rheumatology (via Science
Direct), "gold salts may prevent additional damage to affected joints when
taken in chronic advanced rheumatoid arthritis."
According
to the researchers, "the accumulation of gold by macrophages inhibits both
phagocytosis and the activities of lysosomal enzymes," which may help to
reduce the active stage of rheumatoid disease in some patients.
2.
Gold may help your brain
While
gold was used for depression, epilepsy, and migraine in the 19th century, a
small recent study has "demonstrated a possible positive effect of gold on
cognitive ability."
Liana
Werner-Gray, a bestselling author and certified nutritionist who has
investigated edible gold, says, "Some recent studies have found that
edible gold has a tremendously beneficial effect on nerve structure and the
brain." Gold may also benefit people with anxiety because of its
"potential for reducing stress, repairing the brain, and boosting the
body's immune response to oxidative stress," according to Werner-Gray.
3.
It may help your immune system
According
to Werner-Gray, "studies have been devoted to the interaction between
immune system cells and gold nanoparticles." Indeed, a 2016 study examined
"the immunological properties of gold nanoparticles" as well as
"the selective penetration of gold nanoparticles into immune cells,"
and discovered that gold could help the immune system.
4.
It may help with fertility
"For
thousands of years, the ancient Indian Ayurvedic approach to healing has
included the use of incinerated gold ash, prepared with a variety of plant
extracts and minerals depending on the region," according to a 2017 research in Scientific Reports. Swarna Bhasma is the name given to this gold
ash, and it is said to help people conceive.
"Swarna
Bhasma is helpful in the treatment of male infertility," says NWPH's Dr.
Tabitha Cranie. Small experiments have been done to test the theory, but the experts
say that additional research is needed.
Bottom line: Before incorporating edible gold into your diet for any health purpose, consult a dietician, nutritionist, or doctor.