Are Plastic Microwave Steamers Safe?

In our busy lives, microwave steamers are a great help in the kitchen, making cooking fast and easy. But using plastic ones might not be entirely safe. In this article, we'll talk about the possible problems with plastic containers and check out better options that keep your food both convenient and safe.

 

Why Plastic Containers Can Be a Problem

Ever wonder if those plastic containers we use in the microwave are truly safe? Well, they might not be as harmless as they seem. Research has shown that the heat from microwaving can cause plastic containers to release small amounts of dangerous chemicals into our food. This process is known as chemical leaching.

 

Harmful Chemicals Can Leach into Our Food

Here's the deal: those chemicals that leach into our food from heated plastic can be bad news for our health.  Certain chemicals found in plastics, like BPA and phthalates, have been linked to a range of health problems. These can range from metabolic issues and reduced fertility to disrupting your hormonal balance. Even a little bit of exposure to these chemicals could spell trouble for our long-term health.

 

Are Plastic Microwave Steamers Safe?

The answer isn't a reassuring "yes." This is due to the dangerous chemicals, like BPA and phthalates, found in plastics that leach into our food when plastic is heated. This chemicals can cause multiple health problems when consumed, which aren't good for our overall well-being.

 

BPA-Free Isn't Always Better

When BPA-free plastics came onto the scene, they seemed like the solution to our plastic problems. However, research indicates that the alternatives might not be as safe as initially thought. Many BPA-free plastics contain substitutes like BPS or BPF, which have also been shown to leach chemicals into food. These substitutes might not carry the BPA label, but they still have the potential to introduce harmful chemicals into our meals.

 

A Safer Alternative: Borosilicate Glass Containers

Borosilicate glass emerges as a safer alternative to plastic for microwave use. Unlike plastic, this type of glass does not leach harmful chemicals into your food, even when exposed to heat. Its stability under high temperatures makes it an excellent option for microwave cooking while maintaining the safety and integrity of your meals. If you're interested in using this safer alternative, check out our Borosilicate Glass Microwave Food Steamer.

 

Perks of Choosing Borosilicate Glass

Not only are borosilicate glass containers chemical-resistant, but they're also strong and versatile. You can put them in the microwave, dishwasher, and use them every day without worrying about dangerous chemicals getting into your food. Your meal stays safe, and your container stays in one piece. Talk about a win-win!

 

Conclusion

Despite plastic containers being a quick and convenient way to heat our food, they may not be the best for our health. Plastic containers leach chemicals into our food when heated, which cause health problems when consumed. A safer alternative to plastic microwave steamers would be borosilicate glass microwave steamers. These containers come with the best of both worlds: convenience and safety. As we dive into the world of modern cooking, let's put our well-being first by picking the safest containers for our meals.

 

References:

Plastic Not Fantastic with Bisphenol A ↩
Is Plastic a Threat to Your Health? ↩
Are BPA-Free Bottles Safe? ↩