We all use and handle plastics nearly in everything we do, whether it’s from the drinking bottles we carry to keep us hydrated or the plastic containers we store our food in the kitchen. Plastic is part of our lives, but is it safe to use, and is this stuff likely to harm our bodies?
So, are GNC blender bottles BPA-free? These gym mixer bottles are high-quality containers that use a wire whisk to blend your smoothie or shake into a smooth consistency. These bottles are BPA and phthalate-free which means they aren’t made with harmful chemicals that can harm your body.
What is BPA?
BPA refers to Bisphenol A, which is a chemical that is added to many commercial products to make lightweight hard plastics like food storage containers and clear or clear tinted water and baby bottles, and other products. Its also uses to make epoxy resins that coat the inner part of canned food containers and drink cans to prevent the metal from corroding. You’ll also find it in some dental sealants, medical devices, and compact discs. BPA can leach into your food and drinks, especially if the containers if the food or liquid is hot or the lining is scratched, that’s why it’s recommended that you don’t use plastic containers to microwave your food. You can also be exposed to BPA through the air, dust, and water which means we all have some level of BPA in our system.
For a while, BPA was used in many products, but after 2010 because of a lot of safety concerns, the FDA asks manufacturers of sippy cups, baby bottles, and infant formula cans to stop using this chemical. Manufacturers of water bottles and containers have also stopped using this chemical in making their products.
How does BPA enter and harm your body?
You’re mostly exposed to BPA through your food and drinks, especially canned and packed foods. When containers are made with BPA, not all get sealed into the product so some of it breaks free and mixes with the food or drink in the container.
BPA affects your health in many ways. This toxic chemical has been linked to causing immunity, reproductive and neurological problems and even increasing your chances of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, and asthma in children.
Infertility and fetal development
The presence of BPA in pregnant women can prevent them from carrying their pregnancy successfully to term leading to frequent miscarriages and higher levels of this chemical in men can lead to a low sperm count. BPA in a woman’s body messes with her reproductive system and compromises the quality of the eggs she produces and alters the DNA of the fetus which leads to birth defects.
Cancer
Because of its estrogen-like shape, BPA can mimic estrogen and other hormones and bind with some cell receptors to promote the growth of prostate, ovary, and breast cancer. It could also interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.
Brain function
The presence of BPA in your body can affect your brain function which will prevent the removal of chloride from your central nervous system and affect how your brain regulates genes. The buildup of chloride in your brain can make you more susceptible to Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive diseases.
Obesity
High levels of BPA in your body increase your risk of obesity since this chemical can act as a hormone in your body. This will interfere with insulin production and resistance making it hard for your body to control your blood sugar and can even cause an increase in the production of fat cells.
How to reduce your risk of exposure
Given all the potential negative effects of BPA on your body, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of exposure.
Reason |
Why |
Check the plastics you’re using
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If there’s no recycling number at the bottom of the container, it will be difficult to know if it’s safe so, dispose of it. Avoid using damaged or scratched plastic containers as it increases your risk of BPA exposure. |
Reduce your use of plastics
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Some plastic containers may not have BPA, but that doesn’t mean it’s not destroying your ecosystem. Instead of using plastics, consider using glass water bottles that you can refill and use glass jars and containers to store your food. |
Avoid eating canned and packed food
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Fresh, natural food is more nutritious and flavorful and is better for your gut and the environment. Stay away from canned foods or food packed in plastic containers. |
Only use BPA-free drinking and baby bottles
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Following the FDA mandate, most water and baby bottles and sippy cups are BPA-free, but if the bottle isn’t clearly marked, don’t use it. |
Avoid heat
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Don’t use plastic containers to microwave your food or dish wash them. The heat breaks them down in time which causes the BPA to leach into your food. |
Conclusion
Plastic water bottles including GNC blender bottles and other plastic containers may be BPA-free but may contain BPS or BPF and even small traces of these chemicals can interfere with the functions of your cells just the same way BPA does. The best solution to avoid BPA, BPF, or BPS exposure is to avoid using plastic bottles and containers and instead use glass containers and bottles for your food and water.
FAQ
Why do shaker bottles smell?
Most BPA-free plastics tend to retain odors if you don’t properly clean them after use. If your GNC blender bottle has some odor after cleaning, add a mixture of vinegar and baking soda and let it sit overnight with the cap open.
Can I put coffee in my blender bottle?
Put a few cooled cups of coffee or espresso in your blender bottle and add a few splashes of sugar, milk, and cinnamon to taste, then shake and your coffee is ready to drink.
