Glass or plastic? Which type of pot is best for storing food

A common question for most people when storing food in their kitchen is what type of pot to use. Is there any safer or with the most suitable material? The nutritionist Simone Bacht, clarifies some important points.

According to her, the doubt happens because there are different types of pots and materials, such as glass, plastic, stainless steel and others. And each one of them has some particularities that can interfere with both food conservation and our health.

The main risk has to do with a substance that is present in plastic jars, Bisphenol-A.

What is Bisphenol-A?

Also known by the acronym BPA, Bisphenol-A is a substance used in the manufacture of polycarbonate, a resin used to make plastics. This substance has been one of the most studied today, because its consumption, which happens when some food is heated in plastic pots, is associated with health problems.

Bisphenol-A is present in the plastic of items such as storage containers, water bottles, baby bottles, among others. Some have had their marketing banned by Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency), but many continue to sell and continue to be widely used in everyday life.

Read also: 18 Mistakes You May Be Making When Preparing Your Foods

4 reasons to avoid using plastic

1. Plastics are made from petroleum and their contact with food releases some toxins. This is potentiated with the action of heat when, for example, the pot made of this material is taken to the microwave.
2. One such toxin is Bisphenol, whose ingestion has often been linked to changes in the endocrine system, which regulates (or deregulates) hormone production.
3. It can also have adverse effects on fertility, as well as cancer, central nervous system diseases and others.
4. Another important point is that plastic pots affect the environment, because they end up getting stains and cracks more easily, which leads to disposal and generates more waste.

For this reason, disposable cups, microwave plastic lids and plastic film in direct contact with food are habits that should also be avoided. But if you choose a plastic pot, choose Bisphenol-free ones? Does this information usually come written on the packaging? which are safer.

Best Jars for Storing Food

According to the nutritionist, the best options are glass or stainless steel jars, especially when heating food.

Glass is an inert material that does not react in contact with food. And it lasts longer. One tip is to reuse pots of products. Stainless steels are also good alternatives, but care must be taken not to scratch and release metal used in manufacturing.

Both are more expensive but, if well maintained, have a longer service life, which makes up for the investment. Moreover, it is a detail that makes a difference in long term health.

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