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Article Source: Science News, Articles and Information | Scientific American"A discovery that two commonly used food additives are estrogenic has led scientists to suspect that many ingredients added to the food supply may be capable of altering hormones.
More than 3,000 preservatives, flavorings, colors and other ingredients are added to food in the United States, and none of them are required to undergo testing for estrogenic activity, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Aside from endangering health in other ways, one effect of this may often be an increase in obeisity-- in fact, this may be a major factor contributing to the current "Obeisity Epidemic".
This is quite disturbing! I am glad you posted this Krishna...
The more we know... hopefully we can make things better for our kids and future generations.
This is quite disturbing! I am glad you posted this Krishna...
The more we know... hopefully we can make things better for our kids and future generations.
Don't mean to scare people too much, but I've been researching this for a while-- the situation may ybe worse than many people are aware of.
I used to be quite an activist on certain political issues-- I am thinking of returning to that role and working towards actions re this isssue. (Much environemental concern is focused on the issue of global warming-- but there are other issues that often dont receive adequate attention).
Good... please keep me posted about what I can do to help!
E
Good... please keep me posted about what I can do to help!
I see this as two distinct issues:
1. Taking care of your own health and that of people you know. Don't microwave in plastic or use plastic in contact with food-- for starters, where eat is involved. (I've even thrown out my plastic Tupperware replacing it with glass containers-- not sure iof thta's necessary). Also thrown out plastic spatulas etc.
To avoid BPA, i use only canned products by Eden and Wild Planet-- they are BPA free. And I am transaitio9ning towards earting only organic (slightly more expensive, but I cut down on eating out-- which saves money...).
Some of this may be a bit excessive...or..not?
2. Activism. I am just beginning to explore this so I don't know much yet-- ways to effectively lobby the government to change laws, etc. (The FDA is really, really bad about protecting us from dangerous substances...).
I replaced my tupperware a long time ago. Yay!!
I also buy organic when available so that is good. You are right when the FDA is really bad about protecting us from dangerous things.... I think Mansanto must shovel billions into their pockets daily for them to keep ignoring the dangers as long as they do.
E
. I think Mansanto must shovel billions into their pockets daily for them to keep ignoring the dangers as long as they do.
I'm sure they do-- as do many other companies.
IMO the ultimate solution probably begins with raising public awareness.
(Btw, another person on the Vine who often posts some excellent articles on these issues is Pamela Drew-- check out her NV column when you get a chance).
I use a SS water bottle, one thing buying bottled water is silly unless absoultely necassary.
2. dont want a bpa bottle.
3. its kinda sad how this is important but not popular because there is no name calling and mud slinging.
I use a SS water bottle, one thing buying bottled water is silly unless absoultely necassary.
Actually there was a news item a while back about how one (or maybe more I forget?) company selling bottled water was using ordinary tap water-- not spring water. But people still bought it for the "convenience". And of course its in plastic (although some plastics are better than others..
2. dont want a bpa bottle.
I reember a while back when Nalgene I think it was-- and other plastic bottles were popular-- they were even selling them in Whole Foods. Now they are SS. (I've read that some of the really cheap ones are aluminum-- some of these lined with BPA. But the good SS ones (Kleen Canteen is one good brand) are OK.
3. its kinda sad how this is important but not popular because there is no name calling and mud slinging.
Well-- maybe we should change the headlines on these seeds so that we blame Bush or Obama (take yer pick) for the problem. Or the Israelis or the Palestinians. Or the neo-cons or the liberals. :-)
Most important-- no plastic dishes near heat-- no plastic in microwave. And it may be a bit extreme, but I've gotten rid of my plastic Tupperware, not using glass for storage in frig and for food storage in kitchen cabinets. I replaced any plastic cooking utensils (stirring spoons, etc) with wood-- or some stainless (ladle). Also replaced plastic cutting board with wood.
I want to buy a counter-top water filter (interestingly-- they all seem to have plastic in contact with the water. However, some plastics are much, much better than others-- am looking into it)
krishna, Remember that wooden utensils are not truly cleanable because they absorb everything they soak in, from bacteria caused by food liquids to soap from the dishwashing. I think it is always best to use stainless steel, to be safe. I know for sure that wooden utensils are not allowed in professional kitchens - the state inspecters will fault on it.
krishna, Remember that wooden utensils are not truly cleanable because they absorb everything they soak in, from bacteria caused by food liquids to soap from the dishwashing. I think it is always best to use stainless steel, to be safe. I know for sure that wooden utensils are not allowed in professional kitchens - the state inspecters will fault on it.
Actually I have thought of that-- and wooden cutting boards as well. I have mixed feelings-- some concern over sanitary aspects of wood, but I do like wood because I am into Feng Shui as I mentioned-- and I have too much "earth" (in that system) so need more wood in general. :-)
i read an article somewhere dont remember that said wood is as if not more sanitray then plaxtic.
I have a huge cutting board love it. it i owned my own house I wood have wood and SS countertops. they are the best. I also use bamboo cooking utensils.
I am sure the plastic industry wants to put down wood so they will sell more stuff.
i read an article somewhere dont remember that said wood is as if not more sanitray then plaxtic.
I don't really know-- I suppose I should read up on th subject. Wood is porous. But I've always thought that if you wash it down after to use with soap and water it'll be OK.
Lately I've come to dislike plastic more and more-- even outside of the kitchen. So I am gradually replacing plastic items in my house with non-plastic. (In some cases that may be difficult or impossible). But I really generally don't like it-- I like natural materials better-- wood, glass, earthen pottery, stainless steel is great in the kitchen-- even bamboo.
krishna i posted some links on dougs i am staring a new group that you might like.
it i remember where i read that i will be sure to let you know.
krishna, about the wooden cutting boards: professional kitchens use clorox and water to kill germs, but then it stands to reason that that substance may get into the food. We occasionally lightly sand the surfaces at home, marked one side of the board and use one side for meat and the other for veggies and fruits.
I use Feng Shui in my design work.....keep that chi flowing!
I use Feng Shui in my design work.....keep that chi flowing!
If you (or anyone else) is interested, there is a NV group "Feng Shui Vine".
We are still fairly small and therefore fairly inactive as many people still don't know about Feng Shui...but I imagine it will grow over time...
(I have used it in my home, and have several friends who have. And although it might not seem to make sense from a "left brain" perspective-- well, the durn stuff does work! :-)
marked one side of the board and use one side for meat and the other for veggies and fruits.
I do that two (opposite sides). But I am thinking of buying a second cutting board.
Great article.
I don't heat anything in plastic in the microwave.
I prefer glass to plastic....and use 1/2 gallon canning jars for much of my storage of staples like flour, sugar, corn meal and pasta. However, I try to keep at least 30 pounds each of flour and sugar on hand at all times, and I will confess to using gallon size zip lock bags to store most of it. I place the zip loc bags in 18 gallon Rubbermaid containers and store in a back room that I do not heat in the winter time. Otherwise, I keep my flour in the deep freeze in warm weather for at least a couple of weeks to kill any pests that might grow otherwise.
I drink out of glasses made of glass. I will take a plastic glass to drink out of when traveling in the car just because I don't mind if I lose them or break them.
I rarely buy or use bleach. I have used a wood cutting board for the better part of 30 years and wash it with soap and water and have never had any problems. In regards to cookin mama's comment, I also read an article that stated that wood cutting boards were more "sanitary" that plastic ones several years ago.
Some plastics are bad-- others are not so bad. Here's a list I found-- the number refers to the recycling number-- the one inside the small triangle on the bottom of plastic objects:
Unsafe: #s 3-6-7
Safe (or at least as far as we now know): #s 1-2-4-5
Also not good is BPA, found in the lining of most canned goods. Eden (mostly beans, beans and rice, beans and Quinoa, etc) and Wild Planet (fish) and a few other brands don't use BPA.
Heat makes chemical reactions occur faster-- so the worst is anything hot (microwave).
Styrene (from Styrofoam) also not good-- if you get coffee/tea from fast food place it should be in a cardboard cup.
And, strangely enough, its true-- plastic cutting boards hold bacteria more than wood!
Most of this information is from Master Your Metabolism (Jillian Michaels).
IMO--First thing fro any individual to do-- never microwave using plastic. use glass or ceramic dishes only!
#2 - Sat Aug 28, 2010 12:58 PM EDTI tossed my microwave about 4 years ago. We eat healthier and less.
There is some evidence that microwave radiation may cause come negative changes in food-- particularly in destroying some beneficial nutrients...
My sister lives in Vermont and having a microwave is a cardinal sin. I have been happier ever since. The microwave always made me uneasy and just did not seem to be the right way to cook food.
I got rid of mine a while back. (People say that even if you don't use it for cooking-- what about the convenience in warming things up? But-- what did people do before it was invented? I use a steamer basket in a pot on the stove top and put food to warm up in that-- it works great!
There are quite a few different chemicals that may cause problems. And its complex in many cases.
1. One class of these compunds are Phthalates.
2. Another is BPA.
3. A few others: Our Environment: "Startling Plastic Facts"
#3 - Sat Aug 28, 2010 1:12 PM EDTI would genuinely like to get serious about this. My sister, son, and wife, eliminate plastics. I think we get so many warnings that I become immune to all of it. What do plastics do to the body?
#5 - Sat Aug 28, 2010 5:25 PM EDTI would genuinely like to get serious about this. My sister, son, and wife, eliminate plastics. I think we get so many warnings that I become immune to all of it. What do plastics do to the body?
No need to panic.
I think replacing them is a gradual process-- I've just been starting to learn about it.
And some plastics are worse than others.
Some have phthalates that leach slowly into food. Over time excessive amounts may increase the risk towards some illnesses. Some may mimic estrogen-- among other things this leads to accumulating fat: New research reveals that some common food additives behave like estrogen in the body
the first step-- those used with heat-- no plastic dishes in microwave-- use glass or ceramic. Another example-- styrene-- from styrofoam cups & some fast food takeout containers. If you buy fast food coffee or food (which is usually in and of itself not too healthy) for starters-- it should be in paper/cardboard cups/containers.
Even plastic wrap (like "Saran")-- there are some that are better than others.
I have come to realize that it can;t all be changed at once-- these seem like good first steps-- but there are other things that can be implemented, little by little. (Also good to buy organic food if you can afford it-- or at least start to for some things)
I have been doing some reading on all the additives in food. It has changed the way my family eats, now it looks like time to get rid of the plastics in my kitchen. It's amazing that there are so many hamful chemicals we come in contact with on a daily basis, yet the FDA says it's nothing to worry about. I don't think I'll be listening to the FDA anymore.
#6 - Sat Aug 28, 2010 10:23 PM EDTI sympathize with families trying to give the best in all ways to one another through nourishment of mind, body and spirit. Our children are grown now with families of their own, but we raised them to read labels, and to make every effort to eat seasonally and organically. Making educated choices can be a teaching/learning experience for all. Thanks for this article, reading qualified material is so very important; too bad it didn't grace us with more information. We suffer from so many illnesses, many hard to pin down because of the myriad of sickening substances in food, air, and water - trying to live "pure " is a huge challenge! Keep faith in the strength of our regenerative powers, and keep making informed choices. Common sense is good too: when I noticed that two non organic english muffins did not turn green after being in a ziplock for 6 days in the basket, I threw them out - didn't seem natural to me, and I won't buy them again.
#7 - Sun Aug 29, 2010 1:37 PM EDTThis is turning into a lot of interested people. I think a group of people eating healthy and sharing ideas would be nice. my sister has thrived on studying food for years and tries to convert me. I have M.S. although I walk, i'm Montel Williams with the pain. I liked Krishna's idea of implementing a bit at a time. I set out with lofty goals all in black and white. I'll try for the grey. A nice idea Thank you.
#8 - Mon Aug 30, 2010 5:53 PM EDTyes small changes. we are not where we would like to be. we do recycle.
Very interesting, Krishna. Thank you. I suspect I will be doing some more research and I try to keep informed the best I can. Some plastics are BPA free, which is good. But give up my Tupperware? I don't know that I could. I love them. But, I will do more research. I research everything and take small steps. I have to say I am pretty green, though. Use cold water for laundry, air dry all clothes, all the time, try to recycle and re-use containers, unplug appliances/turn off lights, TVs or anything not being used, buy recycled toilet paper and some other products, hand wash and air dry dishes and so on... I try to do my part. But still...don't know if I could go without my Tupperware. I'll have to think about it. :)
#9 - Tue Aug 31, 2010 7:12 PM EDTBut still...don't know if I could go without my Tupperware. I'll have to think about it. :)
LOl :-) Actually I got rid of mine a while back-- I may have been too hasty-- that's before I knew more about it. At the time I had thought that all plastics were bad-- but there are differences.
Also, chemical reactions generally speed up at higher temperatures-- so a lot more bad stuff leaches into food from a hot plastic dish in the microwave than things at roon temeprature (and much Tupperware storage in in the 'frig anyway-- much colder). In addition-- and this is important-- there are different kinds of plastic. Some apparently aren't bad at all.
Just checked as to which plastics are the "bad' ones. You can look inside the triangle on the bottom of the object at the recycle number (there may be exceptions, and of course this info is fairly new so it might change with further research):
"Bad" Plastics:
-Polyvinyl Chloride, PVC: (#3)
-Polystyrene/Styrofoam, PS: (#6)
-Polycarbonagte, Lexan, Nalgene, PC: (#7)
____________________________________
The "Good Guys" (at least for now):
-Polyethylene Terephthalate, PET, PETE: (#1)
-High Density Polyethylene, HDPE: (#2)
-Low Density Polyethylene, LDPE: (#4)
-Polypropylene, PP: (#5)
That's for food containers, etc. In other areas, IMO its best to little by little eliminate plastic and go for natural materials as appropriate: wood, bamboo, glass, stainless steel, ceramic (although I wouldn't trust ceramics from China yet..). I use bamboo utensils for cooking-- stirring spoons, turners, etc and I really like them. They are inexpensive as well.
Just checked as to which plastics are the "bad' ones. You can look inside the triangle on the bottom of the object at the recycle number (there may be exceptions, and of course this info is fairly new so it might change with further research):
"Bad" Plastics:
-Polyvinyl Chloride, PVC: (#3)
-Polystyrene/Styrofoam, PS: (#6)
-Polycarbonagte, Lexan, Nalgene, PC: (#7)
____________________________________
The "Good Guys" (at least for now):
-Polyethylene Terephthalate, PET, PETE: (#1)
-High Density Polyethylene, HDPE: (#2)
-Low Density Polyethylene, LDPE: (#4)
-Polypropylene, PP: (#5)
An important list!
That's what I have heard also. So can we agree to keep some Tupperware? Lol. :)
#10 - Tue Aug 31, 2010 7:35 PM EDTThat's what I have heard also. So can we agree to keep some Tupperware? Lol. :)
I threw out most of mine. But I just remebered-- I saved a few for in th ecloset for saving small mechanical parts, odd nails and screws , etc. Just checked-- its a #5 (see above)-- so you may be OK! :-)
(I don't know if all Tupperware is a 5 ...?)
Just took another look at it-- I thought it was Tupperware but it says Rubbermaid on the bottom.
Recent related article:
Senators Side With the Chemical Industry Not Babies on the BPA Debate
#11 - Sun Nov 21, 2010 1:26 PM ESTOps! I have replaced a lot of tupper ware at garage sales. i use it daily...so I think I have one foot half-way in the grave. Seriously wish I would change. I think these are good practices. I have always had trouble taking things seriously when it comes to my health and as I have M.S. This is a personal problem. My son and wife practice the plastic usage warning to the hilt.
#12 - Thu Dec 9, 2010 8:28 PM ESTActually there are some plastics that are safer than others-- based on the recycle numbers in the triangle on the bottom.
Just to be safe-- I've gotten rid fo all my plastics in the kitchen. Replaced plastic storage containers with glass, and my cooking implements are now all bamboo (except for one ladle, which is stainless steel).
I believe overweight females have a slightly earlier menarch or onset of initial menstruation...Which may lend credence regarding food additive and obesity and estrogen connection. Puberty accelerated ..
#13 - Thu Dec 23, 2010 1:54 PM ESTYou're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |
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