Dairy Products You Should Avoid Due To Their High Chemical Content

Growing up, many of us were often told that if we wanted to build strong bones and teeth, we needed to drink milk. Most of us did but what we were never told, or what we may not have been aware of, is that while many of these products may have been good for us in many ways, they were also harmful in others.

According to a Consumer Reports study that focuses on grocery staples most people keep in refrigerators and pantries, the foods we consume every day contain an unhealthy amount of plastics. The dairy products on this list are those included in the study as those containing high levels of plasticizers. All plastics, or phthalates, found in products were measured in nanograms. The goal of these studies is to equip the public with facts to enable them to make better food choices for themselves and their families.

This Consumer Report looked at the amount of phthalates in 85 foods. During this study, it was discovered that the plastic chemical was present in each item tested except for one. While this discovery is surprising, the results can help you make wiser food decisions. Within the study, phthalates were found in ten dairy products. (After reading this article, take a look at the foods with the highest levels of plastic.)

To compile a list of dairy products you should avoid due to their high chemical content, 24/7 Tempo consulted the Consumer Reports study, then studies published in Pub Med and the American Journal of Public Health. While it can be challenging to avoid plasticizers altogether because they are found in many food items, beauty, and self-care products, and even dust), knowing which products have considerable traces of plastic chemicals is a good idea.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 20,452 in nanograms

The dairy product with the highest level of phthalates was Fairlife Core Power High Protein Milk Shake, chocolate. It's important to note that the high levels of plastic chemicals were not dependent upon each product's packaging. Across the board, the packaging varied between plastic, paperboard, aluminum foil, and paper wrap.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 16,916 in nanograms

According to WEMU.org, dairy products are more susceptible to the plastic chemical for several reasons. First, the process of milking uses plastic elements. Secondly, warm milk is full of fat, making it an ideal gathering place for the fat-soluble phthalate chemical.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 10,948 in nanograms

General Mills is one of the top food manufacturers. However, several of their products were high on the CR list of foods with plasticizers. The food with the highest level of phthalate was Annie's Organic Cheesy Ravioli, which contained 53,579 nanograms of this plasticizer. When tested, their Yoplait yogurt had 10,948 nanagrams.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 10,932 in nanograms

While nanograms sound like such a small amount, there are two facts to remember about plasticizers. First, according to the Consumer Report, phthalates may be cumulative. This means that even though the amount is small, what seeps into your bloodstream and body can stack up when continuously consumed.

Secondly, even a tiny amount of phthalates in your system can be harmful.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 6,387 in nanograms

Plasticizers are endocrine disruptors. These disruptors can adversely affect health by interrupting estrogen and hormone production and regulation.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 4,620 in nanograms

Additionally, these endocrine disruptors can increase the risk of health concerns. These concerns include premature birth, infertility, certain cancers, and cardiovascular disease.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 3,068 in nanograms

According to an American Journal of Public Health peer-reviewed article, when products are used or food is consumed with high levels of phthalates, it may also affect an unborn child in other ways; this article suggests that pre-natal exposure can also increase risks for several disorders, including attention, behavior, and learning disorders.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 1,756 in nanograms

A popular snack item for children is Jell-O pudding. Yet, in the Consumer Report, the study found 1,756 nanograms in each serving. A healthier choice of snack may be unpackaged vegetables or fruit.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: 1,481 in nanograms

According to a study published by Pub Med, cheese wrapped in plastic had high levels of DBP and DEHP, both plasticizers. However, cheeses that were rolled or triangular had lower levels of plasticizers.

• Total Phthalates found per serving: in nanograms

Plasticizers may be difficult to avoid daily because of the highly processed nature of common products. However, by becoming more knowledgeable about the items that contain high levels of plasticizers, you can begin to make smart choices on the foods you and your family consume. (Avoid these fast-food items because of the high levels of plastic chemicals.)