Nancy Dell: More on BPA/BPS in plastic; Rice alternatives Kamut, Quinoa

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) -  

1. I saw your segment on BPA and BPS in plastic. Should I move all foods from plastic to glass?
Josephine, Springfield

If you missed the story a few weeks ago, let me catch you up. The plastic that says BPA free often contains BPS which is just as toxic as BPS. The plastic contains estrogen like compounds.

The most recent studies show that these compounds can mess up your hormones and increase size of fat cells and your risk of obesity. So when you buy an acidic or fatty food in a plastic container, try to move it to glass, porcelain, or stainless steel once it is opened.

I save glass jars and also buy glass Mason jars from the hardware store. You can get a dozen for less than ten dollars.

Some common fatty or acidic foods you may want to transfer out of plastic are yogurt and cheese, peanut butter or any nut butter, orange juice, tomato juice, and tomato sauce, salad dressings and vinegar.

What about plastic wrap? I would use wax paper if you need to wrap a fatty food like cheese or something acidic.

2. We are now avoiding rice because of the arsenic content. What can we use instead?
Susan, Springfield

Try Kamut or whole grain Quinoa. Both are higher in protein than most grains.

Kamut has a rich nutty flavor like brown rice but is a bit firmer.

Quinoa can be a little bitter so before you cook it, rinse it until the water runs clear.

You can find both in most grocery stores but also in discount stores like Job Lot.