What Is Bisphenol A (BPA): Why Is It Best Avoided?
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Bisphenol A or BPA is one of the problematic chemicals that we are being exposed to from bottled drinks, canned foods, etc.
BPA is found in some types of plastics used in making bottles, as well as in the inner lining of many canned foods.
BPA is also a known “xenoestrogen”, and is often called “stubborn abdominal fat”. In many studies on animals it has been linked to various health issues like cancer, heart disease, metabolic disorders, diabetes, and even fertility problems leading to birth defects as well as miscarriages.
In practical terms, the longer polycarbonate bottles or cans of food sit on shelves the more BPA leaches into the food. According to a study by Environmental Working Group (EWG), almost 95% of Americans had traces of BPA in their bodies.
The Environmental Working Group reported that “analysis of our tests reveals that for one of every five cans tested, and for one-third of all vegetables and pastas (ravioli and noodles with tomato sauce), a single serving would expose a pregnant woman to BPA at levels that fall within a factor of 5 of doses linked to birth defects – permanent damage of developing male reproductive organs”.
And what may be more alarming is that The EWG also reported evidence of… “An investigation demonstrating that low doses of BPA spur both- the formation as well as the growth of fat cells. These two factors drive obesity in humans (Masumo et al. 2002).”
Steps that help in minimizing the effects of BPA
1. Avoid canned foods and choose fresh or frozen foods instead.
2. If you have to resort to canned foods, try to find those free of BPA.
3. search for tomato products such as sauces, pastes, etc that are available in glass bottles.
4. Use storage products that are BPA-free.
5. Avoid microwaving the food in plastic containers since it may increase leaching of BPA besides other chemicals.
6. While using reusable plastic bottles, ensure that they are not made of polycarbonate; ensure that it has a label that says it is BPA-free. If a bottle has “PC” marked at the bottom, it is likely to contain BPA as it is made of polycarbonate. Also, since aluminum bottles may contain a lining which may have BPA, it is best to avoid these.
7. The EWG analysis showed 42% of soda cans were found to contain BPA if made from polycarbonate, so it is best avoided. In any case those conscious of their health ought not to have soda anyway.
8. We find increasing use of plastic cups or glasses for hot liquids like tea or coffee which may accelerate leaching of BPA, depending upon the type of plastics used.
9. It is difficult to however avoid some level of xenoestrogen due to all the chemicals we are exposed to in foods from herbicide/pesticide residues, packaging materials, etc, water supply, cosmetics, lotions, etc. It is best to be vigilant in day to day life.
10. Use fresh food, fruits and vegetables and traditional oganic based packaging materials for storage.
By keeping vigil on the labels containing information about the products you can prevent exposure to harmful xenoestrogen. Certain foods like garlic, chamomile, onions, green teas, and cruciferous vegetables containing powerful phytonutrients also help fighting effects of xenoestrogens.
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Source by C P Ramchandani