Tips for Prevention

Food Packaging Tips

1. Kick the can

Food and beverage cans are often lined with harmful substances, like BPA. Some recent replacements for BPA linings appear to be safer, some contain other chemicals of concern, and for still others the safety is unknown. Until manufacturers disclose the identity and safety of the BPA alternatives they’re using, look for fresh or frozen options. You can also look for beverages, soups, sauces and tomato products in bottles or glass jars. Find out if BPA was used in the packaging of your favorite food or beverage.

2. Get out of plastic

Plastics can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your food and beverages and then into you. Use glass, ceramic and stainless steel food storage containers and water bottles. Never microwave plastic — even “microwave-safe” plastic can leach chemicals into food when heated.

Other tips for healthy, toxic-free food

3. Ditch Teflon(r) pots and pans

Some toxic compounds are used in non-stick cookware. While they keep food and stains from sticking, they stick around in the environment and in the body for a very long time, and have been linked to cancer. Make the switch to cast iron, ceramic, anodized aluminum cookware, and glass bakeware when it’s time to replace your old pots and pans. Prioritize replacing cookware used over high heat and pieces that are scratched.

4. Go organic and eat chemical-free

Organic produce is grown without harmful pesticides and herbicides. Choose locally grown organic fruits and vegetables from farmer’s markets or your grocery store. When we eat meat and dairy products, we also eat the residue of what those animals ate. Choose hormone-free beef and dairy to eliminate your consumption of pesticides and growth hormones that may contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer.

5. Include soy, but don’t overdo it

Natural plant-based estrogens in soy may provide healthy benefits in low doses, but may be a risk factor for breast cancer in higher doses. Include tofu and tempeh as part of your regular diet, but stay away from concentrated or isolated forms of soy derivatives, including genistein pills.

6. Limit red meat and processed meat products

Recent research is showing increased evidence of a link between high red meat consumption around adolescence and later life breast cancer. Processed meat is also recognized as a carcinogen. Chose lean meats and low-fat animal products. With kids, encourage healthy eating from an early age including plenty of vegetables and fruits.