In regard to avoiding food wrapped in plastic film, as of 2006, almost all plastic wraps made in the United States are phthalate-free. Unfortunately, most are now made with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC).
LDPE may contain diethylhexyl adipate (DEHA), another potential endocrine disruptor that has been linked to breast cancer in women and low sperm counts in men.
The issue of greatest concern, however, is whether plastic wrap will leach chemicals into foods when it is used to cover dishes being heated in microwave ovens. It is possible for DEHA to get into foods, particularly fatty foods such as meats and cheeses. For this reason, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against using in the microwave any plastic wrap that is not labeled "microwave safe." To earn this designation, a wrap must pass tests that satisfy the agency. (The same goes for plastic containers that come into contact with food.)
If you do use plastic wrap on foods heated in the microwave, be sure that the wrap is placed loosely over the container but doesn't touch the food. Some product labels specify that there should be one inch or more between the wrap and the food in order to prevent the plastic from melting should it come into contact with hot food. Instead of plastic wrap, Dr. Andrew Weil advises using wax paper or white paper towels. Microwave food only in glass or ceramic containers.
It is cookware that can present a health risk.
A chemical, C-8, used to make non-stick coated pans has been linked to birth defects in humans to cancer in laboratory animals. The chemical is also present in the blood for up to 4 years and can show up in breast milk.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used chemicals in the world and can be found in a variety of plastics manufacturing.
As far as your kitchen goes, spatulas, tupperware, water bottles, soup spoons, baby bottles and other drink containers are common kitchen items that are often made with plastics containing BPA.
Stoneware cookware is a great option. Try stoneware bakeware instead of using aluminum cookie sheets or muffin pans.
Stainless steel utensils are a great kitchen option. Clad stainless-steel cookware is made from layers of different metals like aluminum and copper but surrounded with stainless steel, which is non-toxic.
A well season cast iron pan is just as effective as a non-stick surface while it reduces the amount of oil necessary for cooking—saving on caloric intake, toxic burden, and cost.
On the issue of diet, the National Infertility Association recommendation is
"Stop eating white flour, white bread, white rice. Start eating foods made from a variety of whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice, oats and whole grain corn/ Whole grain foods such as wheat, brown rice, oats, breakfast cereals, oranges, spinach, beans and peas contain folic acid. Folic acid is essential for healthy fetal development. The key to folic acid is to begin taking it when you are thinking about getting pregnancy."
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Hello LizTaylor,
In regard to avoiding food wrapped in plastic film, as of 2006, almost all plastic wraps made in the United States are phthalate-free. Unfortunately, most are now made with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC).
LDPE may contain diethylhexyl adipate (DEHA), another potential endocrine disruptor that has been linked to breast cancer in women and low sperm counts in men.
The issue of greatest concern, however, is whether plastic wrap will leach chemicals into foods when it is used to cover dishes being heated in microwave ovens. It is possible for DEHA to get into foods, particularly fatty foods such as meats and cheeses. For this reason, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against using in the microwave any plastic wrap that is not labeled "microwave safe." To earn this designation, a wrap must pass tests that satisfy the agency. (The same goes for plastic containers that come into contact with food.)
If you do use plastic wrap on foods heated in the microwave, be sure that the wrap is placed loosely over the container but doesn't touch the food. Some product labels specify that there should be one inch or more between the wrap and the food in order to prevent the plastic from melting should it come into contact with hot food. Instead of plastic wrap, Dr. Andrew Weil advises using wax paper or white paper towels. Microwave food only in glass or ceramic containers.
It is cookware that can present a health risk.
A chemical, C-8, used to make non-stick coated pans has been linked to birth defects in humans to cancer in laboratory animals. The chemical is also present in the blood for up to 4 years and can show up in breast milk.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used chemicals in the world and can be found in a variety of plastics manufacturing.
As far as your kitchen goes, spatulas, tupperware, water bottles, soup spoons, baby bottles and other drink containers are common kitchen items that are often made with plastics containing BPA.
Stoneware cookware is a great option. Try stoneware bakeware instead of using aluminum cookie sheets or muffin pans.
Stainless steel utensils are a great kitchen option. Clad stainless-steel cookware is made from layers of different metals like aluminum and copper but surrounded with stainless steel, which is non-toxic.
A well season cast iron pan is just as effective as a non-stick surface while it reduces the amount of oil necessary for cooking—saving on caloric intake, toxic burden, and cost.
On the issue of diet, the National Infertility Association recommendation is
"Stop eating white flour, white bread, white rice. Start eating foods made from a variety of whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice, oats and whole grain corn/ Whole grain foods such as wheat, brown rice, oats, breakfast cereals, oranges, spinach, beans and peas contain folic acid. Folic acid is essential for healthy fetal development. The key to folic acid is to begin taking it when you are thinking about getting pregnancy."
Regards,
February 17, 2016 - 9:30amMaryann
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