Certain isotopes of potassium and radium are highly radioactive, and their presence in some foods makes those items radioactive as well. Let us find out through this story, foods that are naturally radioactive.
Did you know?
Bananas are radioactive enough to trigger false alarms in radiation sensors used to detect illegal smuggling of nuclear material.
Radioactive substances have always been considered harmful, and we all try to avoid anything that falls in the category of radioactive substances.
However, you would be surprised to know that radioactive qualities are present in many substances that we use almost daily. Let us take the example of food. Almost all edible items have traces of radioactive substances, and there are a few which are capable of triggering a false radiation alarm when present in bulk, due to their high radioactive content.
This does not mean that these food items are unhealthy or harmful. Even very high levels of radioactive content in these foods is considered negligible, when compared to the amount that can be harmful. These foods are deemed completely safe for consumption. Let us find out the ones that fall in this category.
Naturally Radioactive Foods
The commonly found radioactive elements are potassium 40 (40K) and radium 226 (226Ra). The radiation in these substances is measured on the basis of potassium and radium content. Unit of radiation is pCi, which stands for 'picocurie'.
Brazil Nuts
40K: 5,600 pCi/kg 226Ra: 1000-7000 pCi/kg
Brazil nuts come high in the radioactive chart according to the Idaho State University. The roots of the tree contains very high amounts of radium and potassium. It is, however, not harmful to the human body, as the body retains none of the radiation consumed.
Some even believe that these nuts help prevent breast and prostate cancer.
Banana
40K: 3,520 pCi/kg 226Ra: 1 pCi/kg
Banana is one of the most common names in the list of naturally radioactive foods. It has a number of health benefits. It is rich in potassium, which regulates blood pressure. Banana is used to compare radioactive exposure level in terms of BED (banana equivalent dose).
White Potatoes
40K: 3,400 pCi/kg 226Ra: 1-2.5 pCi/kg
Potatoes have a significant amount of radioactive substance. They also have many health benefits, as they are rich in vitamin C, folic acid, flavonoids, etc.
Carrot
40K: 3,400 pCi/kg 226Ra: 0.6-2 pCi/kg
Carrots are also well-known for their potassium content. They have similar amount of potassium like potatoes.
Beer
40K: 390 pCi/kg 226Ra: ---
Beer is brewed according to different standards, however, every brew is naturally high in radiation. Beer does not contain radium, and only has a high amount of potassium.
Red Meat
40K: 3,000 pCi/kg 226Ra: 0.5 pCi/kg
Red meat also has a small amount of radioactive elements. It has more potassium than radium. The amount is very less and is not considered harmful at all.
Lima Bean (Raw)
40K: 4,640 pCi/kg 226Ra: 2-5 pCi/kg
Raw lima beans are known for their high radiation. They have many medicinal benefits, and are hence used to prevent a lot of diseases. They are also included in iron-rich diet, as they are recommended in conditions such as anemia, to cure iron deficiency.
Drinking Water
40K: --- 226Ra: 0-0.17 pCi/kg
Drinking water is also included in the list as it has radioactive elements. Water gets these substances from the soil, roots of the plants, and even directly from rain.
Apart from the food items given in this story, there are some more such as milk and seafood. Milk gets these substances from the cows who graze in the sites which are high on radiation. Same is the case with fish found in the water around radioactive sites.
There is radiation all around us, but the level we are exposed to is not harmful at all. So, don't stop eating or drinking a food item just because it contains radioactive elements, as they possess many health benefits.