Aflatoxin?
February 23, 2010 – 8:48 amRecently in my Nutritional Therapeutics class, there arose a discussion of the dangers of eating peanuts and peanut butter — aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a carcinogenic compound produced my a mold that grows on grains like corn, and on peanuts. Aflatoxin causes aflatoxicosis and can cause liver cancer. Some of my colleagues recommend avoiding peanuts and peanut butter because of the risk of consuming aflatoxin.
Some other practitioners aren’t so worried about it. You can see Dr. Weil’s take on the matter here. Of course, Dr. W prolly can’t say what he really thinks because of risk of getting sued by the peanut industry. He holds that the FDA tests crops and doesn’t allow those containing concentrations above 20 parts per billion to be released for consumption. …. hmm…I’m always skeptical of anything the FDA does or says they do.
I eat peanut butter several times a week, sometimes more (I know, I should stop eating it daily, I’m working on it). In The China Study, Dr. Campbell talks about how the risk of developing cancer from aflatoxin consumption decreases as consumption of animal protein decreases (Read the book, if you haven’t already). So, in that respect I’m doing well decreasing my overall risk of liver cancer.
I’m not sure if that protects me altogether from the danger of aflatoxin. We also eat popcorn pretty regularly, and corn tortillas as well. I think at this point, I will endeavor to reduce my peanut butter consumption, and replace it with almond butter (even though almond butter is much more expensive). But I don’t think I can give it up completely.
One Response to “Aflatoxin?”
Hmm.. Very interesting. I probably consum. About 2 tbls of peanutbutter a week. Not too bad, which is good for me cause there is no alternative in my opinion. Not a fan of almond butter!
By Aurelia on Feb 25, 2010