There’s been uproar since 2008 about BPA. But what exactly is it?

BPA is bisphenol-A. It is a chemical found in many plastics. In the body, it has an estrogenic effect, which, for women carrying the BCRA gene, can add to the risk for developing breast cancer. This is just one issue with BPA. The chemical is also linked to heart disease and diabetes and is just plain bad for us.

In 2010, the FDA put out a warning against baby bottles, water bottles, and other plastics, even those found in baby toys if the products were found to contain BPA. Plastics without BPA are labeled appropriately at present, but what about places you wouldn’t think to look for plastics?

Aluminum has been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s. This is one reason that the canning industry has implemented liners as barriers between the canned food and its’ aluminum can. What do you think those liners are made out of? Plastic.

What’s in that plastic? You guessed it: BPA.

In an article written by Jennifer LaRue Huget for The Washington Post, some disturbing findings were brought to light. In a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, it was found that eating canned soup shows a 1221% increase in urine BPA metabolites when compared to fresh-made soup eaters.

We can’t say it enough! EAT FRESH! If you just can’t do that, make sure to research the products you buy and ensure that they are safe and BPA free!