(Image source: Daily Mail)
BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN
ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO
Probably not what you want to hear after pigging out on Turkey Day.
Harvard researchers say canned soup could pose health risks. Here’s KABC.
“A new study found that eating canned foods can raise the amount of BPA In your body. The chemical is often found in Plastic and in the lining of canned foods. Harvard researchers wanted to see if the BPA in the lining gets into our food. They gave 75 people canned soup for five days straight. In the end the level of BPA in their body spiked 1200%.”
12-hundred percent. What’s the big deal with BPA, you ask? NY1 has a quick summary.
“Some studies have linked BPA to higher cancer risk and heart disease.”
...And obesity, thyroid issues and reproductive problems according to WebMD Health News. But the study -- which looked at urine samples -- does have its detractors. Specifically -- and perhaps predictably -- in the metal packaging sector. WebMD quotes a rep as saying...
“The presence of BPA, as reported by this study, gives consumers no new information about health effects from BPA exposure from canned foods... The presence of BPA in the urine does not indicate a health risk. In fact, what this study does confirm for consumers is that BPA is quickly excreted from the body through urine.”
So -- no denying BPA gets in the body but as to whether there’s a real health risk, Dr. Richard Besser tells ABC’s Good Morning America that’s still kinda up for debate.
“Animal studies show that high doses of BPA are linked to cancer, heart disease, early puberty. But it's a big step, going from large animal doses to what's harmful in people. The NIH is putting $30 million into trying to answer that question. Just last year, the Food and Drug Administration raised concerns about BPA in baby bottles.”
The researchers say more studies are needed before drawing any definitive conclusions. But health experts say to be completely safe -- consider going fresh or frozen as much as possible.
