Source: The Examiner
Consumers are hearing more reports in recent years that their favorite canned foods have been hiding a dirty little secret. The green beans, juices, tuna, and soups that are staples in American kitchens contain a toxic chemical. According to AFP, BPA—or bisphenol A—was detected in a dozen cans of food items tested.The reports and studies regarding this problem are worldwide. BPA is a petrochemical derivative used to toughen polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin used in plastic bottles and in the lining of most canned foods. Furthermore, these same products including those labeled “organic†or “healthy†have been found to contain bisphenol A as well.
The Breast Cancer Fund has released disturbing finding of toxic levels of BPA that have emerged inside canned soups and pasta targeted at American children. Labels on three of those products have cartoon or Sesame Street figures, two others mention having the taste kids’ love and the last has a bunny on the label with kid-sized pasta inside. Do you think the risk is worth avoiding these products?
What is BPA's effect on the body?
The chemical, studied over the last decade, is a notorious endocrine (hormone mimicking) disruptor. The ubiquitous chemical has been measured in human blood, urine and umbilical cord blood, as well as in soil, water and dust. The Chemical industry has recently succumb to pressure from parents, health advocates, and lawmakers, and has conceded that the toxic plastics chemical bisphenol-A should not be used to make baby bottles and sippy cups.
“Federal health agencies warn parents to limit their children's BPA exposures,†senior analyst Sonya Lunder, M.P.H., said. “But with the chemical found in canned food, store receipts and even umbilical cord blood, we think that ‘buyer beware’ isn't good health policy. Systematic protections for children are the only solution.â€
How many brands of beans, chili, rice& beans, refried and flavored beans are bisphenol-A free?
Only One Eden Organic
Top of the list is the company that has been leading the way in producing BPA –free products. Eden Organics has put policy in place, since 1999, to assure BPA lined cans are not used in as many of their food products as possible and are continuing the work so all their products are BPA free. Eden Organics is one company that made a decision to “do the right thing†before it was popular.
The best and worst cans to choose from
Hain Celestial and all its brands including Earth’s Best, Westbrae natural and others earned an A as well in the companies studied. Worst on the list are known brands such as Hershey, Hormel, and Walmart. See the complete list here.
Reversing the effects of BPA naturally
What can consumers do to protect themselves and their families? Besides avoiding cans and bottles made with BPA there are some protective measures recommended for consumers. As BPA damages the body in ways that can disrupt proper biological function, natural substances have actually been found to reverse this damage on a number of levels.These substances represent at least one study demonstrating its combative effect on BPA toxicity, presence, and damage.
• Melatonin
• Probiotics
• Black tea
• Querticin
• Royal Jelly
• Folic acid
• Fermented foods and vegetables …and more