Is Microwaving Food in Plastic Bad for Your Health?
By Chris Brown
I'm lazy and, although I know it's probably not good for me, I often just heat leftovers in the microwave in their stored plastic Tupperware rather than exhaust the extra step of plating it first. But exactly how bad is microwaving food in plastic? The food always seems to taste the same regardless of vessel. As it turns out, heating food in plastic has potentially been exposing me to some of the nastiest manmade chemicals in the grocery store.
Microwaving Plastic Exposes Food to Chemicals
Plastic contains several chemicals which have been proven to be harmful to humans, causing cancers and other health problems. Most of the time, these chemicals remain safely locked into plastic's solid molecular state. However, two particular chemicals, Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, can leach when heated from the plastic into the food and, from there, into one's body.
Plastic's danger to food is not specific to microwaves. Any heat, such as that from an oven or even a hot car, can create some level of chemical leaching. Even dishwashing is not recommended for plastics, including machine-washable ones, as the heat from the washer can loosen the chemical bonds.
Health Concerns of Plastic Chemicals
The two most worrying chemicals which can leach into microwaved food, BPA and phthalates, are stabilizers used to make plastics harder, stronger, and more flexible. When consumed, they act as endocrine disrupters, blocking natural bodily hormones, and causing loads of issues, according to endocrinologist Dr. Neelima Chu. These include infertility, thyroid disease, leukemia, neurobehavioral issues, obesity, and various cancers. Considering that most of our daily food is packaged in plastics, it is difficult to avoid some exposure. Though, by making sure not to multiply this exposure with food heated in plastic containers (there is even debate on using plastic microwave dish covers), one can reduce their risk from ingested plastics.
The Healthiest Way to Heat Food
Because any amount of heat can release plastic chemicals, the Food Network recommends always warming food, whether in the microwave or oven, in glass or ceramic containers to prevent contaminant exposure. If one must use plastic, it is recommended that only plastics with recycling numbers two, four, and five be used. These are harder and less apt to leaching, although there may still be some chemical transfer. BPA-free and phthalate-free plastics are better, but not entirely safe (as other chemicals are used to ensure the plastic is sturdy). Instead, the best bet is to avoid plastics altogether when it comes to warming up your consumables.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Ammon, Idaho.