The fashion of eating gold may seem dubious. Despite the fact that many people think that this type of food supplement is not available to everyone due to its price, it is not known whether it brings too many advantages.
Assuming that an ingredient is healthy because it is worth too much money is a mistake. In this case, edible gold does not appear to have many potential health effects.
It is eatable?
Edible gold is still considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. However, just like in jewelry, karat matters: there is a big difference between eating 24 karat gold and 22 or 18 karat.
Edible gold must be between 23 and 24 carats. This is because impure gold could be toxic due to mixing with other metals. Gold is not a harmful element in itself. It’s also inert, so it doesn’t react with anything inside the digestive tract. There is no guideline on gold consumption, but experts declare it non-poisonous .
The European Food Safety Administration (EFSA) has approved Gold (E-175) as a food additive for consumption. It is considered as a golden colorant that works like any other colorant and food additive. So if we want to eat gold safely, we will make sure it is 100% pure!
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Gold has been used as currency, jewelry, and decoration for centuries. But what we may not know is that humans have also been eating bread and other forms of edible gold for just as long.
Gold leaf has been a food ingredient for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. Shimmering flakes of pure gold add a touch of luxury and decadence to any dish. This habit dates back to the second millennium BC. The Egyptians used to do it to achieve divinity since the skin tone of their gods was golden. The ancient peoples of the Far Eastern civilization also used to eat gold for the same purpose – to summon the favor of the gods.
As for the use of gold in food and drink for decoration, the credit goes to the Japanese . They used gold flakes in sake and gold powder to garnish unique dishes.
The tradition entered Europe in the Middle Ages at the hands of the aristocrats. They used to organize large banquets and serve plates covered in gold. The custom of wrapping candies and medicinal pills with pure gold leaf began in the 16th century. The craze subsided after the 17th century, but was revived in 1981 by celebrity chef Gualtiero Marchesi. He gave edible gold a new lease of life by serving his famous dish of saffron risotto with gold leaf.
Since then, edible gold has become a popular ingredient in high-end cuisine. The best chefs continue to use edible gold in their creations. They typically incorporate the ingredient into the food itself, rather than simply adding a garnish (such as gold leaf) on top.
What does it taste like?
Gold tastes like nothing because it has no taste of its own. It is added to food as a means of luxury and to take advantage of its possible health benefits. We will only get the taste of the food itself. So the gold flecked ice cream will taste sweet while the sushi will be salty.
Edible gold is a thin sheet of pure 24-karat gold and can come in the form of flakes, sheets, powder, and colored spray. It is typically used to decorate desserts such as cakes, donuts, and ice cream, but can also be used in main dishes and cocktails. The use of edible gold has become increasingly popular in recent years as people have looked for new and innovative ways to add luxury to their food. And it’s not just for the wealthy elite anymore.
Possible benefits
Eating gold may have some health benefits, though experts recommend a little more research.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Those dealing with rheumatoid arthritis may want to ask their doctors about how eating gold, and specifically, gold salt, might help.
According to one study, when used in chronic advanced rheumatoid arthritis, gold salts can prevent further damage to affected joints. The researchers believe that “gold accumulation by macrophages inhibits both phagocytosis and lysosomal enzyme activities, which may suppress the active stage of rheumatoid disease.
Mental health
Although researchers have noted that it had been used in the 19th century for conditions including depression, epilepsy, and migraine, among other problems, a small modern study has shown a possible positive effect of gold on cognitive ability.
In fact, some contemporary researchers have concluded that edible gold has an incredibly positive effect on nerve structure and the brain. Also, gold may help people with anxiety due to its ability to relieve stress, repair the brain, and stimulate the body’s immune response to oxidative stress.
Immune system
Studies have been devoted to the interaction between cells of the immune system and gold nanoparticles.
In fact, one study looked at the immunological properties of gold nanoparticles, as well as the selective penetration of gold nanoparticles into immune cells, and found that gold could support the immune system.
Fertility
One report notes that for thousands of years, the traditional Indian Ayurvedic approach to healing involves the use of cremated gold ash, prepared with a variety of plant and mineral extracts depending on the region. This golden ash is known as Swarna Bhasma , and it can supposedly be helpful for those looking to conceive.
Swarna Bhasma helps in the treatment of male infertility. In fact, small studies have been done to test the theory, but the researchers say more analysis is needed. That is, we should talk to a dietitian, nutritionist, or doctor before beginning to incorporate edible gold into the diet for any health reason.
How is it purchased?
Edible gold is available in various forms. Flakes and leaves are the most common and popular for food decoration. However, it is also used in powder and spray form, mainly to add flavor and color to various dishes.
Edible gold leaf comes in two variations: transfer and loose edible gold leaf. The former is used as a whole to cover large foods such as cakes and steaks. Loose leaves are mainly used to decorate desserts. Its small pieces are used to decorate candies, chocolates and other sweet items.
Gold leaf is also used in art and craft projects. Gold or gilding leaf is quite common and popular in art projects. It is nothing more than gold plates pressed onto a surface. Gold leaf sheets for art projects are not pure gold. They are mostly 22k or lower grades, making them unsuitable for eating.
Foods wrapped or decorated with gold are some of the most expensive you can order. But the gold foil itself is not that expensive. A pack of 25 sheets (24k pure gold) of loose leaf is available for around €50. A jar of edible gold flakes can cost approximately €30-40.
On the other hand, a pack of 100-sheet gold leaf will cost around $10-$20. Of course, the price is for imitation gold , and you have to pay a little more for 22k or 18k sheets. To give it a twist, we can also find some packages of gold and silver leaf.
The price may vary slightly depending on the size of the sheets and where you buy. We can find some cheap alternatives, but you have to be careful because they can contain impurities.
