BPA---What in the heck is that?!?!??!

Ok, this post might be L-O-N-G!!! and perhaps everyone knows about BPA but if not, I hope you read this and realize just how dangerous it can be...

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical which is used to harden plastic. It has been linked to cancer and several mental/physical disorders. BPA is found in many plastic food containers, bottles, mugs, and in the lining of metal cans. BPA (labeled #7) can leach into our food and drink. Heating this plastic further accelerates the leaching process. This toxic chemical mimics estrogen...which is a hormone that both men and women possess. Estrogen also controls our brain development, the reproductive system and fetus development.

Although BPA has been around for years, studies are now proving just how unsafe this chemical is.

Bisphenol A is found in baby bottles, water bottes, dental fillings, the linings of most food and beverage cans.....anything that comes in a can from soda pop to soup cans can have this plastic lining on the inside and consequently leaching of the BPA crosses over into your food or drink. BPA is also found in children's toy, teethers and pacifiers.

WHAT ARE THE ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS OF BPA?

Increased risk for heart disease
Increased risk of developing cancer
Neuroblastoma---a cancer that often begins in early childhood
Increased risk of asthma in children
Agression and hyperactivity in toddlers/children
Sexual dysfunction and early puberty
Endocrine disruption..i.e. diabetes, etc.
Obesity
Neurological problems such as....depression, memory, learning disabilities, ADD, hyperactivity...and the list goes on.

HOW CAN YOU AVOID THE DANGERS OF BPA?

When buying bottles or containers that are plastic, look at the bottom of your bottle. If it has the #7 on the bottom, there is a good chance that it contains BPA. Choose safer plastics with the numbers 2, 4 and 5.

Choose BPA free alternatives such as glass, porcelain, or stainless steel.

Invest in safe resuable water and food containers. Rubber Maid has a line of their products that are BPA free. You can also find infant/children's items that are BPA free.

If you drink bottled water, NEVER reuse the bottle as the leaching process breaks down even further with continued use and NEVER leave bottled water in your car or in the hot sun.

Never heat plastic wrap, baby bottles or plastic containers in the microwave unless you are using BPA free products.

Avoid canned tomatoes as they are highly acidic and increase BPA leaching.

One of the safest ways to avoid BPA in your diet is to cook fresh. However, as we all know, that is not always possible. Frozen or products that come in jars are the safest foods to eat if you are buying already prepared. Companies that are putting their products in BPA free cans are: Eden, Native Forest, Vital Choice, Trader Joe's, and Wild Planet.

Do your own research. I have listed a few companies that I know of that are BPA free but I am sure there are many more because consumers are starting to demand more BPA free choices

.......and guess what.....this is my second post in a week. :):):) xoxoxoxooxoxox