Can you eat a bar of gold? | EatWeirdThings.com

Can you eat a bar of gold?

Quick Answer

No

Eating a bar of gold is not advisable. Gold is a heavy metal and is not digestible by the human body. Consuming it can lead to serious health complications.

Illustration of moldy bread

Why It Can Be Risky

Eating a bar of gold can lead to several health risks:

  • Heavy metal poisoning: Gold is a heavy metal and its ingestion can lead to heavy metal poisoning, which can cause serious health problems such as kidney damage, bone disease, and brain damage.
  • Choking hazard: A bar of gold is solid and hard, and trying to swallow it can lead to choking.
  • Digestive system damage: The hardness and sharp edges of a gold bar can cause damage to the digestive tract.

Safe Alternatives

  • Edible gold: Edible gold, usually in the form of gold leaf or gold flakes, is a safe alternative if you want to consume gold. It is often used in gourmet cooking and baking for decoration.
  • Gold supplements: Some health supplements contain trace amounts of gold. However, their health benefits are not scientifically proven and they should be consumed with caution.