BPA: The Facts

With the recent news about the high levels of exposure to BPA in credit card receipts, I thought it might be a good time to provide a quick guide to the history, facts, and risks surrounding BPA.

The History
Bisphenol A (aka BPA) was developed and released in 1891 by Russian chemist Aleksandr P. Dianin. The "A" stands for acetone, which is commonly known as a solvent but is also naturally produced in the body.

BPA is most commonly used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It has been used in plastic products for over 50 years. Polycarbonate plastic is used in the production of many common items, including: CD's and DVD's, lenses, bottles, sporting equipment, appliances, and medical and dental devices. The epoxy is most widely used for the lining of nearly every food and beverage can.

Something to keep in mind while reading this: in 2007 it was announced that the average levels of BPA in people are above those that cause harm in lab animals. BPA, because it is so common in our daily lives, affects every person.

The Problems
BPA has been known to be estrogen mimicking since the 1930's. Several studies have now been released, dating back to the late 1980's. These tests show strong link between BPA exposure (including fetus exposure) and brain, behavior, prostate, mammary gland, development, and obesity problems. It has been shown to bind the thyroid hormone receptor. BPA is a known endocrine disruptor, but it had been declared safe. The Endocrine Society released a statement resulting in a second look at these "safe" test results. Tests are currently underway.

Studies done in 2008, 2009 and early this year have shown that even low exposure to BPA can contribute to abnormalities in breast development. Data that has been gathered over the last several years and animal tests that have been performed strengthen the hypothesis that BPA exposure could be an underlying cause in the significant increase in breast cancer incidents over the last 50 years. BPA may also reduce sensitivity to chemotherapy treatments.

And men, don't think you're excluded! BPA (within the range of concentrations currently measured in humans) is linked with permanently increased prostate size. In addition to several other issues, it is also linked specifically with male sexual dysfunction.

Marine life is also severely affected by BPA that leaches into the water from plastic trash. Because their skin is so much thinner (fish in particular) than humans, the BPA is much more potent. Fish become sterile, have abnormalities, and/or come up with toxic readings in sample testing.

BPA in Credit Card Paper
So why is something that is used in plastics and epoxy in credit card paper? BPA is also used as a color developer in thermal paper (like that used for the majority of credit card receipts) and carbonless copy paper. A layer of BPA and invisible ink is placed between paper. When heat, primarily, is applied, color shows up. Neat trick, huh? It is so popular because ink doesn't have to be used in the machines to print receipts.

Here is the problem. When polycarbonate bottles first start to leach, there is only very small amounts of BPA (think nanograms) released. EVERY BPA receipt contains 60-100 mg of free BPA. Free BPA means that, unlike polycarbonate BPA, which is chemically bound to polymers, this BPA is pure and floating around, ready to be inhaled, absorbed, or rubbed onto something that we eventually ingest.

The Upside
There are only a handful of companies in the United States that produce BPA. One of the producers, Sunoco, is now refusing to sell the chemical to any company that manufactuers products intended for children under the age of 3 (when humans are supposedly most susceptible to BPA). The 6 largest baby bottle manufacturers are BPA free.

Legislature has been passed in several states banning BPA in bottles. Internationally many forward-thinking countries are beginning to ban any products that contain significant amounts of BPA.

General Mills (the owner of one of our favorite brands, Muir Glen) has found a suitable alternative to the BPA epoxy for canned tomatoes. Tomatoes are highly acidic and it has been difficult to find something tough enough, and safe enough, to keep tomatoes in cans. They are now using this blend for all canned tomatoes (and we're guessing they are probably using it for the rest of the line, too).

The best way to combat the BPA on the receipts is to wash or sanitize your hands frequently- ESPECIALLY before eating- and don't leave them sitting in a place where the BPA can rub off on other items you commonly use (e.g. a purse, cup holders in your car, et cetera).

Manic Monday Meal: Citrus Chicken w/Feta

The weekend is over and it's back to reality! Each Monday we will post an easy recipe, either for the crockpot, quick fix or five ingredient or less recipe. Here's to eating healthy, simply!


Ingredients:

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

6 boneless chicken breasts

2 red onions, thinly sliced

Freshly squeezed juice of 1 orange

Freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon

3/4 cup pitted black olives

3oz. feta cheese, crumbled

1 bunch arugula, trimmed

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.  Saute the chicken, turning once, until golden, about 10 minutes.  Add the onion and saute until just tender, about 3 minutes.  Add the orange and lemon juice.  Cover and bring to a boil.  Sprinkle with the olives and feta.  Cover and cook for 1 minute.  Serve hot with arugula.

Vegan Wednesday!

Dr. John McDougall, M.D. has been studying, writing and “speaking out” about the effects of nutrition on health for more than 20 years and is one of the “founding fathers” of modern wellness. He believes people should feel great, and should enjoy optimal health for a lifetime.

The McDougall Program teaches people about the benefits of a plant based, heart healthy diet rich in good starches like oatmeal, whole grains, legumes, and vegetables. Dr McDougall is certified as an internist by the Board of Internal Medicine and the National Board of Examiners. He has authorized (or co-authored with his wife, Mary) ten best-selling books about the connection between nutrition and health.

Food For Thought has a wide range of Dr. McDougall's line of foods. His line of heat and eat soups are available in regular and low-sodium varieties. The soup cups are a fast and easy lunch for the vegan on the go. His maple and brown sugar low fat oatmeal is a nutritious and tasty start to the day. McDougall's also has a new line of asian inspired noodle bowls that are out of this world!

Stop in today and try something from Dr. McDougall's!

Gluten-Free Tuesday: Udi's Granola!

It's that time of the year again! With school back in full-swing, easy, healthy snacks are a must for both adults and kids on the go. Granola is a wonderful option, and Udi's has a delicious artisan granola now available!

We carry it at Food For Thought in 5 delicious flavors, including: Original, Hawaiian, Cranberry, Vanilla and Au Naturel. You are sure to find a flavor to get hooked on! Granola is delicious on its own, added into yogurt, used as a topping... The possibilities are endless!

My personal favorite is the vanilla granola. At 120 calories per quarter cup, it is the ideal afternoon pick-me up. It also contains almonds (some of the varieties contain some kind of nut- beware if you have nut allergies!!). It's a light, but satisfying, flavor! And better yet, Udi's Artisan Granola is on sale this month for only $3.89 per 13 ounce bag! Stop in and discover your favorite flavor today!

Inner-Eco

New to vitamins! 

Inner-eco Power Packed Probiotic!

Inner-eco is a fresh harvested coconut water probiotic kefir drink. This power packed probiotic is a living food containing naturally occurring enzymes and electrolytes with up to TRILLIONS of cultures per serving! Made with fresh young green coconut water, inner-eco is completely dairy and gluten-free. It's a 100% natural, effervescent beverage full of live cultures. Inner-eco can help eliminate sugar cravings, replace good bacteria into your system, and aid in proper digestion. Inner-eco should be opened with slight caution. Since it's naturally effervescent, you should avoid shaking it before opening and open slowly.

Maggie's Soap Nuts!

Maggie's Soap Nuts Are Here!  100% Natural Laundry Soap!

Maggie's Soap Nuts are the only laundry soap that grows on trees. They come from the dried fruit of the Chinese Soapberry Tree. They contain saponin, a natural cleaner used for thousands of years to clean clothes, just like the plants used by Native Americans, for washing.

Put a few Soap Nuts in the provided cotton sack and drop them in your laundry. The sack can be re-used up to 5 times.   They are great for use in HE washers.

Replace labratory detergents and soaps with something PURE and truly CLEAN!

Soap Nuts are 100% biodegradable, hypo-allergenic, and great for saving water and energy!

Stop by Food For Thought and try these today!

Sunshine Acres Organic Lemonade for 99 cents!

Hip, hip hooray for the cooler temps!   It's the perfect time to sit back and enjoy the respite from the heat with a glass of cool lemonade.  Hurry in for a super deal on Sunshine Acres' Organic Lemonade!  The 2 quart size runs only 99 cents (S.R.P. $3.99)!