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The Harmful Effects Of BPA and Other Chemicals In Our Foods

The effects of BPA in our foods

We normally eat food to promote our health and improve our immunity, but did you know that we also ingest a lot of chemicals that are dangerous to our health? Sadly, the very same health we try to maintain could be destroyed by the foods that we eat. Our daily dose of nutrients comes with artificial flavors and colors, herbicides, preservatives, pesticides, industrial sweeteners and even BPA. Let's look at the harm that we face due to BPA, which is generally not inside the food but on the container that carries the food. Its crazy that most of us did not even know a substance that has made a container could be so dangerous to our health!

What is BPA?

BPA is simply Bisphenol A. This is a chemical used in the manufacturing of certain polycarbonate plastics used to make water and baby bottles, dental fillings and sealants, medical devices and plastics for storing foods and beverages. BPA is also used in the coating of metal cans for storing food, bottle tops and water supply lines. The fact that the chemical is in most storage cans makes it possible for it to seep into the food or drink inside.

What are the dangers of BPA?

Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that BPA is safe and not really dangerous when just a bit of it seeps into food, research has shown that there are potential health risks associated with it. Bisphenol A imitates the body's natural hormones, which means in interferes with the general functioning of hormones. Basically, BPA is what we call an endocrine disruptor. Children are extremely sensitive to such hormonal disruptions.

Other risks that could be possible as a result of exposure to BPA include reproductive problems in women, heart disease, male impotence, type 2 diabetes, asthma among many others. These claims are made from independent researches.

How can I protect myself from BPA?

~Avoid heating these plastic containers together with your food. Instead of popping that plastic plate into the microwave, how about you just use an alternative like porcelain or glass? Heating tends to loosen the BPA coating, which makes it easy for you to eat contaminated food. Dishwashing is also another process that interferes with the general substance that makes plastic containers.

~Another option is opting to choose BPA free products. Go for a label that clearly states that the product does not have BPA. You might as well cut back on canned and bottled foods as much as you possibly can.

The other substances that are actually inside the foods such as preservatives have a high amount of nitrites and sulfites to prolong a product's shelf life. From processed foods such as meats and fish to dried fruits, juice, beer and wine, the body deals with these preservatives by turning them into carcinogenic substances. It seems that the best option is to have our foods when they're as fresh as possible, and even then, it shouldn't have pesticide and herbicide residue. Getting to eat healthy can be a tough process especially when you want to avoid as many chemicals as possible. The best trick is to always read the label, know what you are eating and ensure that it has a very minimal chance of pumping your body with chemicals. Cutting back on BPA products is always a good start towards a healthy life!

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