Canned soup dramatically increases bisphenol A levels

M’mm, m’mm, BPA! A recent study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health researchers revealed that even eating one bowl of canned soup can increase bisphenol A (BPA) levels in humans—by 1,221 percent!

While researchers have cautioned for some time that the lining of canned foods contains BPA, the Harvard study is the one of the first to measure BPA levels in humans after consumption of canned soup.

One group of volunteers ate a bowl of canned vegetarian soup for five days, while the other group ate a bowl of fresh vegetarian soup (prepared without canned ingredients). After a two-day washout period, the groups switched the type of soup they ate.

After five days the canned soup consumers experienced more than a 1,000 percent increase in urinary BPA levels.

Where is BPA found?
BPA is used in the linings of metal food and beverage cans and in polycarbonate plastic bottles (those labelled #7). It’s also found in dentistry composites and sealants.

What does BPA do?
Previous research has shown that BPA interferes with reproductive development in animals. It’s also been linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes in humans.

To avoid BPA

• eat fresh, not canned, foods
• choose dried beans and legumes, rather than canned
• don’t store food or beverages in containers made of #7 plastic
• avoid beverages that come in #7 plastic bottles
• avoid water bottles made of #7 plastic
• choose water bottles with BPA-free liners

Discover the toxic chemicals that lurk in many household items, and find out what you can do to minimize your exposure.