In the last story, the Onlymyhealth team sent spinach and radish grown on Yamuna bank and sold in the markets of Delhi for lab testing. This initiative is a part of Onlymyhealth’s #OMHHyperLocal Campaign. The lab reports confirmed that these vegetables contained unsafe levels of heavy metals Nickel, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury which can have a serious impact on the health of the people consuming these vegetables.
To understand the health effects of these four metals, the Onlymyhealth team spoke to Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai.
Cadmium Poisoning
Dr Agarwal said, “If one eats vegetables containing large amounts of cadmium then he/she will encounter various health problems.” She listed:
- Damage to the kidney
- Liver damage
- Heart diseases
- Bone demineralisation
- Cancer
A study published in MDPI’s journal ‘Foods’ shared that cadmium is most efficiently accumulated in vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and parsley and stressed that routine monitoring of cadmium levels in vegetables is crucial to mitigate the impact of this vegetable.
Mercury Poisoning
High levels of mercury are usually found in vegetables such as lettuce, amaranth, water spinach, tomato, eggplant, pepper, and cucumber, said Dr Agarwal.
According to a study published in Scientific Reports, mercury poses a significant risk even at low concentrations due to its high toxicity and ability to accumulate in living organisms. Accumulation of mercury in the body can lead to severe neurological disorders in children and adults, and it can also adversely affect unborn fetuses if the mother has elevated levels of mercury in her system.
Dr Agarwal listed the effects of heavy amounts of mercury in vegetables:
- Headaches
- Rashes
- Skin conditions
- Breathing problems
- Kidney damage
- Mood swings
- Muscle weakness
- Inability to sleep
- In the worst-case scenario, death
Lead Poisoning
According to a study published in Scientific Reports, lead is a neurotoxic substance that can have detrimental effects, particularly in children. Elevated levels of lead in the bloodstream can lead to brain changes, including a decrease in IQ, issues with perception and concentration, and increased hyperactivity. Chronic exposure to lead is also linked to a higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases and deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs.
Dr Agarwal listed some other side effects of lead toxicity found in vegetables:
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
- Kidney damage
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Infertility
- Tingling in the hands and feet
- Irritability
- Lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- In adverse circumstances, death
Nickel Poisoning
As per a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Nickel can induce various health effects depending on the dosage and duration of exposure, acting as an immunotoxic and carcinogenic agent.
“While some amount of nickel is necessary, excess amounts can upset the body's usual balance and invite serious complications in the long run,” said Dr Agarwal. She listed the side effects of consuming excessive nickel:
- Skin rashes
- Digestive issues
- Respiratory problems
- Kidney disease
- Cardiovascular issues
Dr Agarwal concluded that the four heavy metals found in the samples of spinach and radish grown on the Yamuna bank and sold in the vegetable markets of Delhi can have serious outcomes for the consumer's health. That is why it is essential to be aware of this health risk and take necessary steps to mitigate the impact of these heavy metals. Watch this space for more as the Onlymyhealth team next spoke to Dr Agarwal about the ways to reduce the harmful effects of these four heavy metals found in the vegetables we consume daily.