Are you fond of using plastic containers for food? Then you better pay attention. In a recent study, two of the commonly used ingredients in these products have been discovered to be dangerous to health.
A long time ago, canning was the best way to preserve food. Later, using plastic containers has made life so much easier and more convenient. Food can simply be placed inside and stored for long periods of time, usually in the fridge.
These products, though, contained DEHP, a type of phthalate or phthalate ester commonly added to plastics to give them durability, flexibility, and transparency. The ingredient has been found out to be a serious health risk. Manufacturers then shifted to alternatives called DINP and DIDP.
These two have been the subject of a brand-new study conducted by a team from NYU Langone Medical Center. First, they worked with more than a thousand teens between the ages of 8 and 19 years old to test the link between these two ingredients and blood pressure. They also had over 350 teens tested for possible connection with diabetes and hypertension.
What they discovered is that there are indeed links between these chemicals and the increased risk of developing metabolic syndromes, a term used to describe a variety of conditions that affect the person's metabolism simultaneously. These include higher blood pressure level, hypertension, and insulin resistance that may ultimately lead to diabetes.
According to the lead author, Dr. Leonardo Trasande, it's essential that more exams should be performed on these chemicals before they are being added into the products.
Meanwhile, it may benefit the consumers to avoid using plastic containers as much as possible, especially in storing food. He also discourages people from microwaving food kept in these containers. Lastly, the best way to eat is to get fresh food. Users can also check their containers bearing numbers 7, 3, and 6. They are the ones with phthalates.
