Plastic containers are in the kitchen of every housewife. This reusable dish is convenient to use for storing and heating food. It is light, cheap and practical. However, despite all these positive properties of containers, they have certain disadvantages.
Harm of plastic containers
There is evidence that the chemicals from which plastic dishes are made tend to accumulate in food and enter the human body with them. In this regard, those types of plastics that contain bisphenol A are dangerous. This substance poses a real threat to health.
Studies have shown that bisphenol A is capable of provoking the growth of breast cancer cells, and also negatively affects human reproductive function. This substance is especially dangerous for pregnant women, infants and young children.
Scientists from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) conducted a study in 2004. They took urine from people who used plastic utensils containing bisphenol A. In the analyzes of 93% of the subjects, traces of this dangerous substance were found.
Scientists have come to the conclusion that only from plastic containers such an amount of bisphenol cannot enter the human body. To achieve such concentrations, doses are required that are tens of times higher than those emitted by plastic dishes. So there are other sources. This information was published in the journal Reproductive Toxicology.
Study author Laura Vandenberg points out that BPA is found in more than just plastic food containers. It is everywhere, even in the receipts that a person receives daily in the store. Therefore, the rejection of containers will not solve the problem of the accumulation of this substance in the human body.
Also, it’s not just BPA that needs to be taken care of. All types of plastic release chemicals into food. The US Department of Health and Human Services (FDA) has acknowledged this.
Plastic is not a permanent material. The more often it is used, cooled and heated, the more chemicals it will release into food. Microscopic damage to containers leads to the ingress of small plastic particles into food. This can cause serious health problems. Therefore, you need to try to do everything possible to get rid of plastic products in the kitchen.
How to make the kitchen safer?
It is difficult to imagine a modern kitchen without plastic. This material is used everywhere. It stores bread, vegetable oils, cereals, ice cream, spices, etc. An attempt to fill the consumer basket with products without plastic packaging will end in failure.
However, it is possible to reduce its harmful effect on the body.
To do this, you must follow the following recommendations:
Do not heat plastic containers. It is not recommended to heat food in them in the microwave. It has been established that when heated, chemicals are released 55 times faster. For the same reason, hot liquids should not be poured into plastic containers. Even if a product is labeled as safe for use in a microwave oven, experts do not recommend doing so. Containers will still release harmful substances into food. As a rule, the microwave icon only means that the product does not deform at high temperatures.
When buying a plastic container, you need to choose a product numbered 1, 2, 4 or 5. They are considered the safest. This is especially true for baby plastic bottles. If possible, they should be replaced with glass products. Any purchases must be made in trusted stores that can provide all the necessary certificates of conformity.
Avoid plastic food storage containers. Glass or stainless steel products are excellent alternatives.
Buy fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits. They are not packaged in plastic. It is even better to eat vegetables from your garden.
When buying cheese, ask for it to be cut in front of you and wrapped in wax paper. It is not known what kind of film the sellers use to pack the cut pieces.
Learn the opinions of experts. There are people who try to protect their lives from plastic. An example is Beth Terry, blogger for My Plastic Free Life. The author talks about how to make your life better by getting rid of plastic products. In 2010, she used no more than 2,18 pounds of plastic (2% of what the average person uses). Her experience is inspiring.
Use glass jars and bottles to store water.
It is impossible to completely get rid of plastic products, but it is quite possible to minimize their harmful effects on the body. You need to start with plastic containers, replacing them with glass jars. Why not do it right now?