This chemical compound has the potential to cause serious health problems over time and, as I’ve most recently learned, also contribute to increased abdominal fat when regularly consumed.
It's called Bisphenol A or BPA, and it's found in some types of plastic bottles and is also used in the lining of various canned foods. BPA has been linked to all sorts of health issues such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and even fertility problems. Studies have even shown that large enough amounts this chemical compound can trick your body into holding onto excess belly fat.
The major offenders are polycarbonate bottles. Now you are probably thinking…”How the heck do I tell a polycarbonate bottle from a non-polycarbonate bottle?” Some plastic containers will have a “#7” symbol imprinted on the bottom. These are usually a safe bet if you want to avoid a polycarbonate bottle, but this is not always the case. It’s also important to know that the longer a polycarbonate bottle sits on a shelf at a higher temperature, the greater the amount of BPA that can seep into the liquid. It’s also important to be aware that all canned tomato products (regular tomatoes, sauces and pastes) are dangerous due to the acidity in tomatoes. The presence of this acidity leaks even more of the BPA chemical from the lining of the can directly into the food you are putting in your body.
According to the Environmental Working Group, “analysis of our tests reveals that for one of every five cans tested, a single serving would expose a pregnant woman to BPA at levels that fall within a factor of 5 of doses linked to birth defects – permanent damage of developing male reproductive organs.” They also report evidence of “an investigation demonstrating that low doses of BPA spur both the formation and growth of fat cells, the two factors that drive obesity in humans.” (Masumo et al. 2002).
So what can you do to minimize your exposure to this hidden chemical and its negative effects when following a healthy weight loss diet? Below are 5 helpful tips:
1. Try to select prepared food products that come in glass containers instead of their canned counterparts.
2. Look for labels that indicate “BPA free”. Many organic-friendly food producers are now manufacturing cans without the use of this harmful chemical.
3. Eat fresh or frozen foods as much as possible and try to avoid canned foods. It should come as no surprise that meals prepared from fresh, organic ingredients are always your healthiest options.
4. If you drink bottled water, make sure that it is not a polycarbonate bottle. If a bottle shows "PC" on the bottom, it is made from polycarbonate, so definitely avoid these. Your best bets are reusable aluminum bottles. And finally, NEVER reuse a disposable water bottle, especially for hot liquids such as tea or coffee.
5. NEVER heat food in a plastic container or with the use of any type of plastic wrap. The mega-high temperature of a microwave increases the seepage of any chemicals contained in plastic products, including BPA.
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To find more information about healthy weight loss diet and exercise go to http://weightlossdietplanforwomen.net