Plastics are almost everywhere. It has its role in modern society as it is a vital part of our computers, cell phones, cars, and children’s toys. However, when used as a container for the food we eat and the water we drink, plastics can possibly have negative effects on the body.
For you to be able to ensure that you’ll enjoy a healthy lifestyle, you need to consume all-natural, pesticide-free foods. Eating antioxidant-packed food or drinking liquids from plastic bottles doesn’t make sense at all.
Listed below are the reasons why we should switch from plastic to glass containers when it comes to storing our foods.
Plastic Leaching
According to studies, when the plastic bottle breaks down, the molecules from it leach into the food. This means that even though you consume natural or pesticide-free foods but packed in plastics, you’ll still be eating those toxic materials coming from plastics which can cause cellular damages and health problems.
Can Cause Fertility And Reproductive Problems
Plastics contain a toxic compound known as bisphenol A (BPA) which have negative effects on immunity and hormone regulation, both of which directly affect fertility. According to studies, a woman may experience difficulty in conceiving and may have a higher risk of miscarriages when she is exposed to BPA. Aside from this, chemicals found in plastic also cause developmental problems and birth defect in children.
Chemicals In Plastic Can Lead To Obesity
Studies revealed that one of the reasons behind obesity or being overweight is the vast amounts of plastics our food and beverages come in contact with.
Bisphenol-A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), a chemical widely used in plastics, was found to actually cause stem cells to become fat cells.
A research published in Environmental Health Perspectives explains that:
“Exposure to these kinds of chemicals can reprogram your metabolism and make it more likely for you to store calories instead of passing them through.”
Tips to lessen your exposure to the toxic chemicals found in plastics.
- Use Glass or Stainless Steel Containers (For storing purposes)
- Never heat foods in your plastic containers. When heated, plastics leach chemicals 55 times faster than normal.
- Buy Fresh or Frozen Vegetables. BPA can be found in almost canned goods. It would be great if you buy fresh fruits over canned fruits or much better if you grow your own produce.
- Use a Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- Use Stainless steel straws
- Ditch the Deli Wrap. When you buy meat or cut cheese from your deli counter ask them to wrap it with wax paper instead of plastics. If a wax paper is unavailable, rewrap it when you get home.
Aside from these tips, you should also be aware of other sneaky sources of BPA which includes the following:
- Cash register receipts – BPA gets into your system once you handle receipts with your hands and then eat your food with your hands. Immediately wash your hand after touching one.
- Some baby bottles and pacifiers
- Many toys and other children’s products
- Canned soda and beer
- Some aluminum water bottles (stainless steel is generally safe)
- The lining of most canned foods. Source the brands that don’t use BPA.
