The chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is in the news again, and it’s not good news. A peer-reviewed study published online Tuesday in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, measured BPA levels in 105 foods from grocery stores in Dallas, and found “quantifiable levels” in 63 of them. Foods with BPA included cans of Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna in Water, cans of Chef Boyardee spaghetti and Meatballs, Kroger Sweet Peas Garden Variety, as did fresh sliced turkey. Canned Enfamil baby formula had more than canned V8.
In humans, BPA is linked with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and male sexual dysfunction. In mice, it has been linked to early puberty and cancer. BPA is also suspect in hormonal disorders and obesity.
Since we know that BPA so bad for our health, why is it still in food containers? The FDA has given the food industry until 2015 to remove it from packaging. My question is this: Why does it take this country so long to do anything these days? When FDR declared war on Japan and Germany December 8, 1941, automobiles factories were converted to plane, tank, and truck factories virtually overnite. What’s happened to us?
If I were a conspiracy theorist, I would say that the food industry makes you sick so that the pharmaceutical industry can sell you pills, and the health care industry can fill hospital beds. But, I won’t say that….
On top of that great news, coffee is in the headlines again. A recent study in the November 2 issue of the journal Neurology, investigators found a 2-fold increase in the risk of ischemic stroke in the two hours following coffee consumption-the risk is greater in those who drink coffee infrequently.
I’m totally confused. Years ago, I remember hearing that coffee was bad for you. More recently, however, coffee was great for you, providing lots of antioxidants, and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Now this report. I’m thinking this study was funded by the World Tea Association, but that would make me a conspiracy theorist.
Lastly, it appears that vitamin E supplementation might not be as safe as once believed, according to an article in the British Medical Journal, published online November 5th. It appears to increase the risk of stroke. You can look it up for yourself. I’m too upset to talk about it anymore. I’m going to have a cup of coffee and take some vitamins……..
Try hard to stay well, John R Blilie, M.S.