Healthy Products Sabotaged By Their Packaging?

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." 
—Albert Einstein

There’s a concerning trend seen in the new health and wellness products being brought on the marketplace. Energy Matters, LLC. has already discussed the importance of evaluating a product’s label—looking for safe, additive-free, organic ingredients. However, there is another important aspect that begs for better critical thinking. Many otherwise healthy products are being sabotaged by their own packaging.

A scientific commentary printed in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health warns that the “synthetic chemicals used in the packaging, storage, and processing of foodstuffs might be harmful to human health over the long term.” (2014).

Sometimes we are so focused on the ingredients and benefits of a health product that we become blind to what it is surrounded in. For example, I recently came across a promotion for a healthy drink, packed with herbs and vitamins to support improved wellness. But there was a big problem! The drink came in an aluminum can—which seemed a bit like an oxymoron.

There are two big problems with aluminum cans used to store foods and beverages. First is the aluminum itself, which can leach into the contents. A tiny bit of aluminum may not produce noticeable symptoms, but over time it can lead to aluminum toxicity.

Too much aluminum can create symptoms ranging from gassiness, headaches, or heartburn to serious muscular disorders, cancer, reproductive disorders, endocrine issues, memory, or developmental disorders. Aluminum is especially dangerous for infants and anyone with kidney problems because their bodies really struggle to excrete the excess.

The second problem with health drinks being served in aluminum cans is a common plastic coating containing BPA (bisphenol A). This chemical is linked to hormonal imbalance, increased blood pressure, heart disease, and an increased risk of cancer.

Aluminum isn’t the only packaging that we should avoid. Styrofoam, crinkly or clingy plastics (numbers 3, 6 and 7), and dyed paper can also contain chemicals that are hazardous to our health. While we are just beginning to understand the immediate and long-term consequence, studies show that these types of packaging may be linked to obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems. The dangers are compounded for products that are packaged while still warm, speeding the leaching of chemicals into the food.

Next time you pick up a new product, make sure you evaluate the health and safety of the entire contents—inside and out. Use critical thinking to protect your health! 

For more guidance on healthy lifestyle choice, schedule a phone consultation with Rose.

*This blog contains Amazon affiliate links. The owner of this site may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended.

 

What To Remember:

Healthy foods and beverages can be tainted by toxins in their packaging.

Look beyond miraculous health claims to inspect the real contents—inside and out.

It is important to think critically when developing or purchasing health and wellness products.

 

Sources:

1. Environmental Working Group. (June, 2018). These Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging Are Getting Into Your Meals. EcoWatch.com. https://www.ecowatch.com/toxic-chemicals-in-food-packaging-2579496225.html

2. Ireland, Perrin. (August, 2015). 4 Ways to Avoid Toxic Chemicals in Food Packaging. NRDC.org. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/4-ways-avoid-toxic-chemicals-food-packaging

3. Neltner, Tom. (March, 2019). Toxic chemicals can enter food through packaging. We made a list. Blogs.edf.org. http://blogs.edf.org/health/2019/03/26/toxic-chemicals-food-packaging-list/