Image: NusrEt/TikTok/Replay
The Brazilian team has attracted attention both on and off the pitch. Last Tuesday (29th), some players went to NusrEt Steakhouse at the Sheraton Grand Doha luxury resort in Qatar for dinner and simply ordered a large hunk of ribeye plated in 24k gold. The price of this joke? Approximately R$ 3,300.
Ronaldo Fenômeno was part of the group and shared the scene on social media. Some people argued that players could spend their money on anything they wanted, while others viewed the episode as an unnecessary luxury.
But the unanswered question is: are there any benefits to eating gilded meat? If only the nutritional value is considered, you know that the precious metal offers none.
On the other hand, the additive is not harmful to health either. It’s even approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA in the US and EFSA in the European Union. However, it must be offered in its pure form (between 22 and 24 carats) and processed into thin, edible leaves.
Some studies have also pointed to the benefits of gold in food. For example, 2015 research published in the journal Rheumatology suggests the metal may prevent damage to affected joints in people with advanced chronic rheumatoid arthritis.
Another 2016 study suggests that gold may support the immune system, while a 2017 report suggests the additive could be useful in treating male infertility. Anyhow, if you plan to include the item in your diet, it’s worth speaking to a doctor or nutritionist first.