Understanding Edipeel: The Hidden Dangers of Food Preservation
- Aala Nutrition
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 16
Today, the food we consider safe and nutritious is being tainted by large food chains aiming to save a buck. Major corporations, huge investors like Bill Gates and Andreessen Horowitz, influence what we see, hear, and consume. Alarmingly, they also determine what we eat.
In 2012, with backing from Bill Gates and Andreessen Horowitz, James Rogers founded Apeel Science. He formulated a product called Edipeel, designed to keep fruits and vegetables on grocery store shelves for months without spoiling.
The Promise of Edipeel
Edipeel is marketed as a protective coating that mimics the natural peel of fruits and vegetables. Its purpose is to maintain moisture and protect produce from stressors like heat, cold, wind, air, and pests.
This artificial layer provides supplemental protection on top of the natural micro-peel known as the cuticle. Edipeel slows water loss and oxidation, potentially leading to longer-lasting produce on retail shelves. But, what's the real cost here?
Once Edipeel is applied, it impacts the natural ripening process. This technical manipulation allows grocery stores to display produce for months without any sign of spoilage. It raises an important question: how does that seem right?
The Source of Edipeel
According to Apeel Science's website, Edipeel is derived from a plant-based oil, specifically grape seed oil. This oil is processed into purified mono-diglycerides and diglycerides. They state it's made from just "one ingredient," but this is misleading.
Digging deeper reveals a more complex story. The process used to create Edipeel starkly contrasts with the simple explanation provided by the company. The truth lies within the Product Information Data Sheet and data from the Food and Drug Administration.
Edipeel functions as an edible barrier against moisture loss and oxidation, preserving produce and extending its shelf life. However, the question remains: at what cost?
How Edipeel is Made
Edipeel originates from grape seeds, which are derived from grapes—fruits famous for their sweet taste. Grape seeds are often a byproduct of winemaking. In 2022 alone, the grape seed oil market was worth $511 million and continues to grow.
Once these seeds are converted into oil, they may contain beneficial elements such as tocopherol, linolenic acid, and resveratrol. While grapeseed oil has health benefits, the extraction method can result in health concerns when consumed over long periods.
Apeel Science utilizes chemical extraction for its grape seed oil. This method is cheaper and maximizes oil yield, but it poses risks.
What is Chemical Extraction?
Chemical extraction is a process often used because it minimizes oil loss. Chemicals like n-hexane or heptane are typically employed due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Edipeel's grape seed oil is extracted using heptane.
According to the *World Health Organization (WHO), the use of solvents in food technology raises several toxicology concerns
Treatments with solvents may affect the nutritional value of foodstuffs.
Residues from solvents may have toxic effects.
Impurities and additives could remain in the extracted food, leading to toxicity.
Solvents might react with food constituents, forming poisonous products.
Understanding Heptane
Chemical formula: C7H16
Colorless liquid at room temperature
Low boiling point (boils at about 98°C)
Highly flammable with a characteristic odor
Immiscible with water but dissolves well in nonpolar solvents
Used in various industries, including automotive and chemistry labs
Dangers of Heptane
To Humans:
Highly flammable and irritating to skin and eyes
Prolonged exposure may lead to dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues
To the Environment:
Contributes to air pollution
Reacts with nitrogen oxides and sunlight to form ground-level ozone
Detrimental to vegetation and human health
After chemical extraction, the result is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA).
The Risks of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) contain carbon atom chains linked by multiple bonds. Common forms include omega-3, -6, and -9. If their ratios are unbalanced, inflammation may occur, leading to heart disease and other health issues.
Research indicates that excess PUFAs can generate toxic molecules, contributing to cellular damage and inflammation. The body may store these fats in fat tissues for energy, but an overload can harm cell membranes and mitochondria.
Importance of Omega Fatty Acids
Omega-3:
Essential fats like ALA, DHA, and EPA found in fish, flax seeds, and walnuts
Anti-inflammatory properties
Must be obtained from diet
Omega-6:
Pro-inflammatory fatty acids
Linked to diseases like arthritis and diabetes
Found in various oils (canola, soybean, and sunflower)
Omega-9:
Non-essential fats, produced in the body
Anti-inflammatory and helpful in improving cholesterol levels
Found in olive oil and avocados
The balance between omega-3 and omega-6 is crucial. Today, most diets suffer from an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 20:1, when we should aim for a balance closer to 4:1.
A Glance at Pre-Edipeel Times
Prior to Edipeel's introduction, our ancestors relied on food obtained from natural habitats. They foraged for leafy greens, nuts, fruits, and more.
However, the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries shifted the landscape. Corporations started concocting ways to prolong food shelf life, leading to the rise of processed foods—pushing whole foods aside.
The introduction of Crisco, a hydrogenated vegetable oil by Proctor & Gamble in 1911, exemplified how food safety was sacrificed for profit.
Edipeel is part of an ongoing epigenetic pandemic, influencing gene expression and leading to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues and diabetes.
Before the 1900s, real food was free from chemicals and manipulations. It's time we return to whole, organic options to reclaim our health. Let’s be aware of what's on our plates. The future of our health depends on it.
The Final Thought on Edipeel
As consumers, we must be wary of products like Edipeel that prioritize shelf life over nutritional value. The impact of such innovations may have lasting effects on our health and well-being. Let’s take a stand for our health and make informed choices.
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