07/07/2024
I’m a little bit horrified showing you these grubby plastic containers but it’s important.
I’m equally mortified to confess my long-standing obsession with plastic boxes & tubs, especially the ones with snap-on lids. But I’m changing & here’s why…
EDCs or endocrine disrupting chemicals are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with the body’s hormones.
EDCs are strongly associated with many illnesses, including:
ADHD
Parkinson’s
Alzheimer’s
Cardiovascular disease
Obesity
Early puberty
Reproductive disorders
Cancer
We’ll never fully avoid EDCs. They are found in plastics, solvents, pesticides & cosmetics to list just a few sources, but we can reduce our everyday exposure.
I started by stopping using plastic in the microwave.
A whole body of research exists on this subject & scientists agree that microwaving food in plastic is associated with an increase in these chemicals leaking into our food.
Blistered plastics are a definite risk, but perhaps it’s time to be mindful of microwaving all food in plastic containers, even if they say they’re microwave safe.
The decision is yours but first, do not worry & do not feel you have to ‘get rid of’ all your plastic containers; re-purpose them.
If you look at the picture of my fridge, you’ll see I’ve re-purposed the plastic (rather than send it to landfill) & I’m moving from plastic to glass & ceramic, as & when things need replacing.
My approach is based on health v. risk of my household. If I had to consider additional health issues, my approach would be different.
HOWEVER, wherever I can, I try to cook in microwave-safe glass & ceramic.
I transfer convenience foods from their packaging before cooking & if I need to cover foods during the cooking process, I choose a suitable plate, piece of biodegradable wax paper or kitchen roll.
If you’re reading this & wondering where to start, plastics in the microwave is an easy win.
As you know, I specialise in hormones & gut health for midlife men & women and the very last thing we want, is for something to disrupt our hormones and undo all our good work.
If you have any questions about this, shout.
