The Maids of Portland, Maine

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

This spring rid your kitchen of hidden toxins!

As spring approaches, we thought that we would share with you a list of some of the most important products that you can easily replace for a toxin free kitchen.

Bleached Paper Products:

Most paper products in the United States are bleached with chlorine gas or chlorine derivatives. These chlorine chemicals are known to create dioxins as a by-product of the bleaching process.

Even in small amounts, dioxin is agreed upon to be toxic.

Two of the most popular bleached products we use in our kitchen are parchment paper and coffee filters.

                  > Parchment Paper: Instead of white parchment paper, replace it with natural unbleached parchment.
                  > Coffee Filters: Instead of white coffee filters, choose brown-less toxins.

Baking Products:

Bleached white flour is generally made with benzoyl peroxide. To avoid the toxins, purchase unbleached flour. Did you know that baking powder contains aluminum? Aluminum is best to avoid since it accumulates in the brain and can bring on diseases such as Alzheimer's. The next time you need to buy baking powder, choose Rumford Baking Powder which is aluminum free.

Canned Foods:

Bisphenol A is an industrial chemical used in the liners of most metal cans. Cans made with BPA can leach into the containing food and acts as an environmental estrogen. Once ingested it effects our brain disrupting proper hormone functioning. It has been controversial for some time, however, the FDA now shares a level of concern and many companies are going BPA free.