Chef Ranveer Brar dishes out viral 24k gold tadka dal; are such foods safe, healthy?

Dubai’s culinary scene just got a touch more glamourous (and golden)! Celebrity chef Ranveer Brar’s first Dubai restaurant, Kashkan, opened last year, and one dish in particular is causing a social media buzz – his 24-carat gold-infused “tadka” dal. This luxurious take on a traditional Indian dish, named “Dal Kashkan,” has been polarising the netizens.

 

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In recent years, foods tempered or made with gold dust have grown popular. Remember Salt Bae AKA Turkish chef Nusr-et Gokce’s 24K gold-coated steak?

This begs the question of whether it’s healthy to eat gold and how it interacts with our system. Gold leaf on desserts, gold-dusted cocktails – these extravagant culinary creations might look luxurious, but are they healthy? Let’s delve into the science behind eating gold.

Is eating gold or gold dust healthy?

 

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Dr L. Sudarshan Reddy, a senior consultant physician at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, assures us that consuming gold in small quantities is generally safe.

“Edible gold, typically in the form of flakes or dust, is chemically inert, meaning it doesn’t react with other substances in your body. Our digestive system lacks the enzymes to break down gold, so it simply passes through undigested,” Dr Reddy said in an interaction with indianexpress.com. 

Dr Ranga Santhosh Kumar, a consultant physician and diabetologist at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, emphasised that gold offers no nutritional value. It won’t be absorbed by your body and provides no health benefits. “Think of it as a purely decorative element, adding a touch of opulence to a dish.”

But an excess of it can cause issues

While small amounts are harmless, Dr Reddy cautions against consuming large quantities of gold. This could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or even blockages. Additionally, rare gold allergies exist, so those with known allergies should avoid gold-infused foods.

So, the answer is clear: eating gold won’t harm you in small quantities, but it also won’t do your body any favours. It’s essentially a luxurious, edible decoration, best enjoyed for its visual appeal rather than any health benefits. If you’re looking to boost your health, stick to a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients – leave the gold on the plate!

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