You've probably heard a lot about bisphenol A over the past year or so, more commonly known as BPA. While our government is dragging their feet on making a statement about BPA, a number of studies have concluded that it is linked to cancer, diabetes, and other endocrine disorders (it mimics estrogen) in additional to neurological and behavioral disorders in children.
Polycarbonate and plastic-lined water bottles have been at the forefront in the media surrounding the dangers of BPA. Fortunately, companies like Nalgene and Sigg now produce BPA-free water bottles. I've replaced my own water bottles and travel mugs with BPA-free versions.
But did you know that most canned food products are also exposed to BPA? The lining on the inside of the can contains BPA, which comes in contact with the food. A recent study states that the levels of BPA found in canned food is of concern, especially with acidic food like tomatoes (note: the full article appears to be unavailable online - but you can find additional information on BPA here and here).
Tomatoes! I rarely buy most canned vegetables or meats, but canned tomatoes (diced, crushed, whole, or paste) are a staple in my kitchen. I'm also a frequent buy of canned chickpeas, black beans, and other beans. That the ingredients I cook with, the ones I use to make healthy meals, could actually be dangerous, is troubling.
While there are a few companies out there that do not use cans containing BPA, I have yet to find one that makes this claim for their canned tomatoes. Eden Foods is one company that offers beans in BPA-free cans. However, a can of Eden beans will run you $3-4; that is at least twice if not thrice the price of a can of beans from the usual brands.
Still, the more I learn about BPA, the more it scares me. It may cost me more and inconvenience me more, but I am pledging to eliminate canned food from my kitchen. Here are a few things I'm doing to make this transition:
1. Soak dry beans. Not only is this far cheaper than buying cans, it is healthier. Canned beans are often loaded with sodium and rinsing only goes so far. Dried beans also have a better taste and texture. Soaking beans requires planning ahead. Since most dried beans require an overnight soak, I'm making sure I plan my meals a couple of days ahead of time now. I hear a pressure cooker eliminates the need to soak beans, so I may just make the investment.
2. Buy products in glass or aseptic packaging. If you can't find fresh, local tomatoes year-round because of where you live, try products in aseptic packaging like Pomi tomatoes. Pomi offers diced and pureed tomatoes in paper/foil cartons. They're harder to find and cost a little more, but they've become a lifesaver for me. I'm half Italian, I need my Sunday gravy! I've heard of tomatoes in glass jars as well, but I haven't been able to find any.
3. Buy stocks/broths in aseptic cartons instead of cans (or make your own!). I love making my own stocks, but I know the reality is that time and convenience often trumps the idealistic notion of bones and veggies simmering away for hours on the stove as you go about your day. If and when you don't have time to make your own, brands like Pacific Foods, Trader Joe's, and Kitchen Basics offer pretty decent chicken, veggie, beef, and seafood stock in 1 quart cartons.
4. Buy canned meat or seafood in foil pouches. I don't buy very much of this, but if I need the occasional can of tuna or crabmeat, then I'll look for foil pouches instead.
5. Can your own veggies in glass jars. I am hoping to give this a try within the next year. This is a great web site to get started.
For those of you who want to reduce your exposure to BPA, I hope these tips help. Some other steps you can take include replacing your plastic storage containers with glass (or at least transferring your food to a glass container before heating it in a microwave), replacing your polycarbonate water bottles with BPA-free versions, and, when possible, cooking from scratch with fresh, local ingredients.
P.S. None of the brands, companies, or web sites I've mentioned have paid me, given me free samples, or otherwise endorsed me in any way to speak about them in this post. These are my own experiences and findings!
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