Got the BPA blues?

Most educated consumers are aware of the many health risks associated with BPA chemicals found in resin lined cans and polycarbonate plastics. BPA, or bisphenol A, has been around since the 1960's and can be found in many of the commercial products we buy at the grocery store.

What's scary is that BPA leaches into our food and drink, which is worrisome because research shows that it has hormone-disrupting properties that can lead to weight gain, sexual dysfunction, prostate cancers and even heart disease. Recent research suggest that "93% of Americans have detectable levels of BPA in their bodies" (Men's Health).

Given BPA's potential dangers, the FDA is pursuing more research on BPA, which will hopefully lead to reevaluating the use of this chemical in our everyday products. But don't wait on the FDA. You can cut down your risk today by taking the right precautions. Here's a few ways you can limit your exposure:

1. Eat more fresh foods and cut down on eating canned foods. This should come naturally during the warm summer months.

2. Never microwave your plastics! If you follow my blog at all, you probably know how I feel about microwaves in general. But if you do tend to nuke your food, make sure it's not in plastic. Heating can damage the plastic and increase the leaching.

3. Examine your labels. It's pays to be a gumshoe grocery shopper. Brands like EDEN FOODS, are now packaging their canned beans and soups in BPA-free lined cans. So you can still have health and convenience! Even popular companies, like NALGENE, are committed to producing reusable rigid plastic products that are BPA Free.

4. Use glass storage containers. You may feel old school using glass mason jars or storage containers, but it's healthier in the long run.

5. When you buy storage bags and plastic wrap, make sure their BPA free. Ziploc brand bags and Saran brand plastic wraps are both BPA-free.