Tea, Pork Chops, and Peanut Butter: Unexpected Sources of Cancer-Causing Chemicals

By Phyllis Dunson February 21, 2024 2 mins read 122 Views

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Study Reveals Surprising Foods Linked to 'Forever Chemicals' in the Body

A new study suggests that seemingly harmless foods like tea, pork chops, and peanut butter may contain high levels of cancer-causing 'forever chemicals' known as PFAS. While previous research has identified the presence of these toxic substances in food, scientists have been unsure about the extent to which they accumulate in our bodies. To shed light on this issue, researchers tracked over 700 participants for four years, analyzing their blood samples and dietary habits.

Unexpected Findings: Healthy Foods Linked to Higher PFAS Levels

In a surprising twist, foods typically considered healthy, such as green tea, pork chops, and bottled water, were found to be associated with elevated PFAS levels. Conversely, popular items like fries, added sugar, and tap water did not pose a significant risk, contradicting previous studies. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals used to make products resistant to water, stains, and heat. These 'forever chemicals' do not break down naturally and have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, hormone disruption, and kidney disease.

Fast Food: A Surprising Revelation

The study also examined the impact of fast food on PFAS levels. Surprisingly, home-cooked versions of burritos, fajitas, tacos, French fries, and pizza were associated with lower PFAS concentrations, while those who consumed these dishes from restaurants had higher PFAS levels. The researchers suggested that food packaging could be a significant source of PFAS exposure.

Lower PFAS Levels: The Ideal Diet

The study identified certain dietary choices that were linked to lower PFAS levels in the blood. These included home-cooked meals, nuts and seeds, domestic tap water, sugar, fruit drinks, soda, fruit, cooked grains like rice and oatmeal, breads, pastas, and select vegetables like potatoes. The researchers believe that the high fiber content of these foods may help reduce PFAS concentrations by facilitating their elimination from the body.

Higher PFAS Levels: Foods to Watch Out For

On the other hand, the study found that restaurant-cooked food, sweetened and unsweetened tea, pork, sports drinks, nut and seed butters, snack chips, and bottled water were associated with higher PFAS levels. The researchers speculated that packaging materials, rather than the nuts and seeds themselves, might contribute to increased PFAS exposure from nut and seed butters. Furthermore, drinking more bottled water was linked to higher blood PFAS levels, potentially due to contamination via packaging.

The Unexpected Role of Sugar, Fruit Drinks, and Soda

Contrary to expectations, participants who consumed higher levels of sugar, fruit drinks, and soda tended to have lower PFAS levels in their blood. The researchers suggested that young adults may opt for these beverages, which could be less contaminated with PFAS compared to tap or bottled water.

Implications and Recommendations

This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring beverages, processed meats, and food packaging containers for PFAS contamination. The findings call for increased public awareness and further research into these 'forever chemicals' and their potential health risks. The study was published in the journal Environment International.