Heavy metals can enter the food supply through pathways like contaminated soil and water.
What Is Proposition 65?
Should You Avoid Dark Chocolate Because of Heavy Metal Concerns?

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Starches and root vegetableswhich tend to be starches themselvesare nutritious parts of a balanced diet.
You dont need to cut them out because of trace amounts of heavy metals.
Its packed with antioxidantsespecially flavonoidsthat may promote heart health, enhance blood flow, and improve mood.
Are Certain Populations More At-Risk?
Children are particularly vulnerable to side effects of heavy metals because their developing bodies can absorb them more readily.
Plus, smaller body size means they can experience higher concentrations of toxic substances.
Pregnant people also face increased risks, as heavy metal exposure can adversely affect fetal development.
2022;53:102361. doi:10.1016/j.rsma.2022.102361
Harvard Health Publishing.The pros and cons of root vegetables.
Food and Drug Administration.Environmental contaminants in food.