• April 25, 2024

How many times have you saved your foods in a plastic mold and without problem you put it in the microwave to heat them? Maybe many times. However, this action can seriously harm your health.

According to a study published in the journal Hypertension , store your food in plastic containers and heat them in the microwave oven favors the development of diseases such as diabetes and hypertension .

As it does?

Researchers explain that when food is stored in these containers, it becomes contaminated when it comes in contact with toxic chemicals (phthalates) and the exposure is stronger when they are heated directly in the oven. microwave oven .

"Heating food in plastic molds promotes insulin resistance and high blood pressure, risk factors for diabetes," explains Leonardo Transande, a professor at NYU Langone Medical Center.

The specialist details that there are two phthalates that increase the risk of developing hypertension, called DINP and DIDP.

Do not panic!

However, this should not alarm you, because by taking some precautionary measures you can continue to use your plastic molds without any problem: avoid heating your food in plastic containers or bags.

Wash your containers in the sink and not in the dishwasher. Avoid using plastic containers labeled with numbers 3, 6 and 7 (these numbers appear inside the recycling symbol).

Finally, use plates of earthenware, ceramic or resistant glass to heat your food.