#1 Reason To Never Use Canned Tomatoes
The Surprising Truth About Canned Tomatoes
Many people are shocked when I tell them that canned tomatoes are bad. After all, tomatoes are a vegetable—or technically, a fruit—so how can they be harmful? The issue is less about the tomatoes themselves and more about their packaging.
The Problem with Canned Tomatoes
If you regularly use canned tomatoes, you might want to reconsider. Continue reading to discover why they can be dangerous and what alternatives you can use.
BPA: A Hidden Health Hazard
BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical used to coat the lining of cans and many plastic products. It can leach into foods and drinks through plastic containers, Tupperware, bottles, and cans. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of BPA exposure.
Health Risks Associated with BPA
Here are some health problems linked to BPA exposure:
- Hormonal disruption
- Reproductive harm
- Increased risk of certain cancers
- Malformation of organs in children
- Risk of miscarriage
- Sperm defects
- Increased risk of mental disabilities in babies
Widespread BPA Exposure
BPA exposure is common because it is found in most plastics used around food. A survey by the Centers for Disease Control found detectable levels of BPA in 93% of urine samples from people over six years old.
Why Canned Tomatoes Are Particularly Risky
Most cans, unless labeled otherwise, contain BPA linings. Canned tomatoes are particularly problematic due to their high acidity, which causes more BPA to leach from the can lining into the food. This makes canned tomatoes a higher risk for BPA contamination compared to other canned goods.
Are Other Canned Foods Safe?
No, not entirely. While canned tomatoes may leach more BPA, any canned food can contribute to BPA exposure. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Research found detectable BPA levels in urine after consuming various canned foods, including soups, fruits, and vegetables.
BPA-Free Labels: Not Always a Solution
When the dangers of BPA became widely known, companies began producing BPA-free products. However, many replaced BPA with another chemical, BPS (bisphenol S), which has similar health risks. Thus, BPA-free labels can be misleading.
Better Alternatives to Canned Tomatoes
If you want to avoid BPA, consider these alternatives to canned tomatoes:
- Use organic tomatoes in glass jars.
- Use fresh tomatoes instead.
- Learn how to can your own tomatoes in jars.
Conclusion
Finding healthy alternatives to preserved tomatoes is usually quite manageable. Thanks for watching, and I hope you learned something new today. Subscribe to my channel for more health tips!
