BPA Contamination: Which Foods Should You Avoid?

BPA, Bisphenol A, has been all over the news as a dangerous byproduct that humans may ingest from plastic products.

Did you know that BPA from canned green beans is likely higher than any BPA you can ingest from a plastic bottle or other food source?

Now, you may be wondering what's so bad about BPA and if you need to stop eating canned green beans?

Possible Health Effects of Consuming Too Much BPA

• Disrupted endocrine function: BPA can act like an estrogen hormone in the body
• Increased cancer risk: primarily the hormone-based cancers like breast and prostate
• Decreased fertility
• Could interfere with neurological development
• Obesity
• Reduced thyroid function
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Asthma

Foods That Contain BPA

• Canned soups and vegetables: Rinse these foods to get off some of the BPA, or try Eden Brand or Native Forest products
• Canned infant formula
• Canned soda and anything else in a can since it has a plastic lining
• Food in plastic containers with the number 7 on the package
• Non-food item: Paper receipts contain BPA

Should I Really Avoid BPA?

Research has found significant health concerns with high levels of BPA, but humans are only consuming, on average, very low and slow doses. Therefore, it would be only imperative for pregnant women, babies, children, and women who may become pregnant to monitor their BPA intake.

Takeaway Points

Most water bottles are now BPA free. Plastic containers are the least of my worries nowadays. If you are concerned, you can always buy glass containers.

I pay more attention to the packaging of my foods, and look for labels to say that the packaging is BPA free. But, as always, focus on eating more fresh and unpackaged foods, and we will have one less thing to worry about!

Do you avoid BPA?