Kitchen princess or not, chances are you have a plastic cutting board at home. We found that it might be a better idea to switch to a wooden cutting board. And it is for this reason. Read on!
Using a plastic cutting board
You probably didn’t see much harm in using a plastic cutting board to cut all your vegetables. In Libelle, hormone expert Francisca van den Berg explains why it is better not to do that. It has everything to do with, yes, your hormones and the disruption thereof…
As you know, hormones have a major influence on us. You often think about your period, menopause or pregnancies and your mood. Many women nowadays are busy regulating their hormones in order to adopt a better and more enjoyable lifestyle. But what if these hormones are disrupted by external chemical factors?
Influence of chemical substances
We (unfortunately) deal with chemicals every day. You can find it in everyday products such as cosmetics and plastic additives. You probably understand that this can be very harmful to you. For example, they can influence the production, release and metabolism of our natural hormones, disrupting the rhythm. Result: you get a hormonal imbalance. “If you are healthy, your body can solve it better,” says Francisca van den Berg in Libelle. “But many women with hormonal complaints are already in imbalance and then these hormone disruptors can have a major effect.”
Plastic cutting boards
“Not only cosmetics and food, but also kitchen utensils can contain these hormone disrupting substances,” Van Den Berg continues. “Plastic cutting boards often contain chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenols. These substances can be released from the plastic and come into contact with food, especially if the plastic has been exposed to heat, acids or fats.” Long story short: hormone disruptors can enter your food through your plastic cutting board, which can cause you to have a hormonal imbalance. Oops!
“Pay particular attention to the substances phthalates and bisphenols. These substances are released when heated, including when you put your plastic cutting board in the dishwasher,” says Francisca. “This of course also applies to other plastic such as food containers that you use in the microwave.” Maybe we should switch to wooden or bamboo cutting boards after all?
