Friday, April 6, 2012

The Toxic Truth-BPA

Recently in the news I have seen many claims about how bad Bisphenol A, or BPA is for your health. It has been linked to many horrific, common health problems:  heart problems, asthma, fertility problems,cancer, and so much more. That right there is enough for me to say no to BPA products. Now, you may think this is just a tad much, but after much research, there is nothing good about BPA but think about it.

What if those cans of vegetables and soup contain such a chemical that can cause health problems down the road? Those cans could have the chemical bisphenol A, or (BPA) in their linings — which means that the food in them might contain BPA, too.

BPA has been used for years in clear plastic bottles to make them more durable and in the liners of food cans to make the products last longer. Consumer Reports recently tested numerous name-brand canned products -- soup, juice, vegetables, tuna -- and found at least some amount of BPA in almost all of them. The chemical was even found in some products that were labeled BPA free. A few studies have linked BPA to an increased risk of breast and prostate cancer, infertility, PCOS, insulin resistance, and diabetes. That's pretty scary stuff considering that we get almost 30 percent of our food from cans. Liners of metal cans aren't the only place where you can find BPA, though. The chemical has also been found in baby bottles, polycarbonate drinking bottles, and other beverage containers.

Current federal guidelines on BPA levels don't take into account the hundreds of recent animal and laboratory studies done on the potential health effects of BPA levels. However, the Food and Drug administration will soon decide what level of exposure of BPA is safe.

Trust me, I know just how convenient metal cans can be, but why take the risk with BPA?
Use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic bottles whenever possible. I think the best thing we can do is to try and make meals from scratch as often we can, using the freshest ingredients. Below is a wonderful video on the toxic truth about BPA and what plastics to avoid and which ones are okay. I think this is just a great thing to be made aware of because I know that I wouldn't want to take any risk at all.


Oh, and BPA can be found in more than just plastic. Research this and you will find just how bad this is and how its slowly killing us. The saddest thing is that most of the BPA found is in child and baby product. Babies have the most of the chemical in their system from their bottles! Moms, check your bottles. Remember, plastics 1,2,4, 5-good. 3,6,7 BAD! Check labels, and check bottoms of plastic of your kids products. Thank goodness California has banned BPA from baby bottles. They did a study testing babies' blood as soon as they were born, finding high levels of BPA already in their small system from their moms. Get informed, stay informed. Be your own advocate!!

Well enough ranting!

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