BPA, info on plastics and canned food

I was recently asked if canned tomatoes are ok to eat.

If you are not aware, there has been data that states BPA can be found in canned foods.

First here is a little info about BPA (Bisphenol A). It is used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resin. It has been around since the 1800’s. It affects the endocrine system. It is linked to breast cancer, decreases testosterone, imbalanced hormone levels, and maladies for the body. It’s mostly effects fetuses, babies and children. It has also been connected to with cancer, obesity, diabetes, neurological issues, thyroid hormone receptor, heart problems, fertility/sexuality difficulties and DNA alteration.

Plastics: #1, #2, #4, #5, and #6 are unlikely to contain BPA, though #1 and #6 are not suggested for repeated human consumption.  #7 is a catch-all category that often contains BPA.

BPA-containing epoxy resins are found in the inside coating of most food and beverage cans. All canned foods should be avoided.

High acidity foods increase the rate at which BPA enters food.  This is why people are being told not to consume canned tomatoes, soda and beans.

A good alternative to canned tomatoes and beans are glass. This would be a great product to can yourself in glass jars.

Not to be mean, but if you drink a lot of soda, chances are that you don’t really care about your body. Just alone soda has horrible affects on your body. I enjoy a good soda about once a year…this is usually at our favorite root beer brewery, so I am not worried about this.

Do your research; there are some cans that state “BPA free”.  Keep your eyes out and if you only consume canned tomatoes and don’t buy anything else with BPA then you will probably be ok.

I hope this helps you all learn a little about BPA, I know I am not more educated in this area!

Just remember #2, 4 and 5 are the best plastic numbers and high acidic canned foods should be avoid if possible!

Simple black Bean Salsa

                                   Simple Black Bean Salsa

1 Can black beans

1 can of crushed tomatoes (or any other type of can tomatoes)

2tbsp of crushed garlic (we really like garlic, vary to your taste)

½ cup of salsa (add more if needed)

½ onion, chopped thinly

1 tablespoon of ground flax seed

Mix all ingredients and enjoy! 

For spice add finely chopped jalapenos!!

This is great on burritos, tacos and much more! Make quesadillas, by adding this and some cheese! Enjoy!!!

Healthy Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

                                  Mini Stuffed Bell Peppers

**12 small bell peppers

1-2 lbs. of choice meat

Red onion, chopped

2 tablespoon crushed garlic

*Taco seasoning

1/2 cup Salsa (add more or less for your taste)

2 tablespoons Ground flax seed

2 finely grated carrots

*Whole grain rice, cooked

Shredded Cheddar cheese

Plain Greek yogurt (be sure to use plain and not vanilla, this is to replace sour cream)

1.    Preheat oven to 375°F

2.    Cut the tops off the peppers, and remove the seeds. Set aside

3.    Cook meat, onion and garlic until meat is done. Drain, put back into pan.

4.    Add taco seasoning, salsa, flax seed, carrots and rice. Mix together.

5.    Stuff each pepper with the beef and rice mixture, and place peppers open side up in a baking dish Cover the dish with foil, and bake until the filling is hot and the peppers are tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

6.    Remove foil, and sprinkle the cheese over the top of the peppers. Return to oven; bake, uncovered, until cheese has melted, about 7 to 10 minutes.

7.     Top the peppers with a heaping tablespoon of the yogurt.

*see recipe below

**if you use bigger bell pepper, precook peppers for about 10-15 mins in oven until soften

Taco seasoning

3 teaspoons chili powder

    1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1teaspoon paprika

Mix seasoning together.

Whole grain rice

2 cups of water

1 cup of whole grain rice

Bring water to a boil, add rice, cover and simmer until done.