Bisphenol-A

There has been a flurry of news lately regarding the chemical Bisphenol-A, or BPA for short. Nalgene, the producers of reusable water bottles, went under attack last year for using polycarbonate plastics containing BPAs, and have since stopped producing bottles using the toxic chemical.

Sigg, the producer of the trendy aluminum water bottles that took off in popularity after the exposure of Nalgene’s BPA problems, have also recently been uncovered to have had similar issues with their bottles as well.

So what exactly is Bisphenol-A?

In basic terms, it’s a chemical traditionally used in many shatterproof plastics, food cans, and beverage cans. It has been shown to cause numerous health issues in test cases, some of which are highlighted below.

Credit: Enviromental Working Group

Reusable bottles marked with a 3 or a 7 on the bottom have had BPAs used in the production of the bottle, while bottles with a 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 on them do not.

So how does this relate to food? Well, as I mentioned before, it’s a highly prevalent chemical in food and beverage cans. This table shows detection of BPA in canned consumables such as pasta, soups, and sodas at 100%, 89%, and 42%, respectively. Even if you’re doing your best to eat zone and paleo foods, you’re still likely to have a stock of canned foods at home. Even I do. Canned artichokes. Canned tomatoes. Canned cheesecake.

Well. No canned cheesecake, but if they sold it, I’d totally buy some.

Maybe.

The point being is that, if you have the choice, buy your preserves in glass bottles, paper Tetra-Pak containers, or ideally, fresh. These choices will help reduce the likelihood of cancers forming in your body from BPAs, especially with prostate cancer in men. Start clearing out your stockade of canned foods. Longer lives, more deliciousness intake. Everybody’s happy.

And just so I’m not a total Debbie Downer, I’d like to direct your attention to the following image.

Don’t hate. You know you love it.