Many researches are going on about the use of plastic in daily usage and how is it affecting our environment. Given the situation, we cannot deny that plastic has incredible variety and is used for several purposes. People use plastic for containing food, heating, packing, and for other household purposes. However this is actually not as healthy as you may think it is. Not many people are aware that plastic has chemical substance which get into food items and affect our body. Today we will discuss about some disadvantages and harmful effect of plastic in cooking or heating purpose.
Inputs taken from Ms. Avantika Shrivastava, Clinical Nutritionist from Vozart Healthcare Hospital, Kanpur
5 Harmful Effects of Plastic Utensils on Health
1. Disrupts Hormonal Growth
According to nutritionist, there are two components present inside plastic materials which affect health of human being adversely. The two compounds known as diethylhexyl phthalate, which is carcinogen and BPA, disrupt the hormonal functions of the body. Most affected hormones because of eating in plastic utensils are thyroid hormone that leads to thyroid gradually.
BPA affects the person psychologically; it affects sex hormones of a person and acts like a anti-androgen or oestrogen which disrupts sperm production in people. This may affect many other hormones and issues related to gonads that may have a deep affect on your life.
2. Increases Risk of Kidney Stones
Another important factor which is actually becoming evident is increase in the number of cases of kidney stones. Eating hot meals in melamine crockery becomes very harmful for your health. This is because hot temperatures increase the amount of melamine in the food which increases the risk of kidney stones. It affects both children as well as adults, therefore it is recommended or preferred to take ceramic, steel or glass utensils for heating the food items.
Also Read- Chemical in Plastic Raises Cancer Risk for Infants
3. Makes Breast Cancer Grow
Plastic material usage is also a big contributing factor in increase of breast cancer cases. According to a study of Harvard Healthcare Institute, 37% cases of breast cancer have increased over the last decade and a major factor could be excessive usage of plastic in daily routine. Plastic actually melts in hot temperature and sun, keeping food or water in utensils made up of plastic releases toxins in the food which affects your health adversely. Dioxin is the material which increases the risk of breast cancer.
4. Liver Cancer
Another substance of chemical that leads the body to diseases is phthalates, this is used in making wrappers of chocolates, sweets and other food items. However it actually is very harmful because it can affect your liver when it reacts with food and lead to liver cancer. Phthalates also decrease sperm count in the body which affects hormone levels in males. Liver cancer is more often caused by drinking water from plastic bottles or in packaged drinking bottles.
Also Read- World Iodine Deficiency Day 2021: How Much Salt Is Beneficial For You?
5. Increases risk of Diseases
It not only affects hormones but due to disruption in hormonal levels, it can also lead you to many diseases and health problems. According to nutritionist, having hot food in plastic utensils or using plastic utensils to heat the food actually increases the risk of having oestrogen-mimicking chemical. Plastics have Biphnyl A, which causes obesity, diabetes, cancer, asthma, fertility problems and some other health problems related to puberty in females. Plastic usage also affects neurological growth and problems.
How to Avoid Harmful Effects of Plastic on Health?
It may not be possible to stop use of plastic immediately, but we can take some steps to avoid health problems. Nutritionist Ms. Avantika suggests some changes which can decrease the risk of health problems caused by use of plastic containers.
1. Use Food grade-plastics- There are many types of plastics that are available in the market, choose only food grade plastic utensils or containers for storing food. Check for the symbol of food grade, this ensures that the plastic you are using may not be harmful and won’t release toxins in the food.
2. Use PET bottles instead of normal water bottles- This is almost same as using food grade plastic containers. Basically PET bottles are made from materials which do not get affected by hot temperatures or reacts with liquid inside it. This can prevent you from having cancer and serious health problems.
3. Try to use stainless steel plates for eating or ceramic based products for heating food. These options are much more healthy and beneficial for your body.
4. Try to take food in paper bags instead of poly bags while eating outside or taking packed food. You do not know which quality of plastic they are using, hence opt for a paper bag instead, it can keep your food healthy and nutritious at the same time.
5. Go for recycled products- Food items that can be recycled are best for the environment. Poly bags and plastic containers do not get mixed with soil and causes soil erosion. Recycled products will prevent plastic waste from spreading. Also try to find recycle bins, in case you want to throw off any plastic container or utensil. It will save environment as well as your health.
Read More Articles on Mind And Body
Pciture Credits- Pexels.com