You may be on track with making the best decisions for your health when it comes to choosing organic, nutritious food, but have you considered the plates you’re serving your meals on? Many American households are unknowingly using dangerous melamine dishes that can have damaging effects on your kidneys. Don’t serve up dinner on a “dirty plate”, and allow your tableware choice to compromise your health.
Is your dinnerware made of melamine?
Melamine is a chemical compound found in plastics and a variety of different coatings. One of its most popular uses is in the production of “indestructible” plates. If your dishes were labeled as unbreakable or if they have a warning on the back saying, “Not intended for Microwave use,” they are made from melamine.
The danger of melamine
In 2008, China faced a extensive scandal when it was discovered that melamine had been added to milk powder. This hazardous additive caused 300,000 people to fall ill and resulted in 50,000 babies being hospitalized. While it’s believed that melamine found in tableware is harmless, research undertaken at the Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiao-Kang Hospital in Taiwan suggests otherwise. The tiny amounts of melamine that leached into food from the plates and cups expose you to health risks. In particular, melamine can cause kidney problems and other urinary tract issues.
Melamine’s ill effects stem from the release of the compound from plates and cups during exposure to high temperatures or acidic foods. For example, microwaving melamine plates causes melamine to seep into your food. In addition, consuming acidic foods like orange juice, vinegar, or tomato-based dishes from melamine plates can be harmful.
The importance of using safe tableware
To safeguard your health, steer clear of using any plastic-based plates or containers. Researchers in a Korean study required participants to eat off stainless steel plates to avoid melamine exposure. However, you should not use metal containers in a microwave oven. Instead, opt for ceramic or glass containers when microwaving your food.
Cautiousness with ceramics is imperative, as chipped or damaged tableware can release lead or other harmful metals into your food. Any visible wear or tear on ceramic dishes is a sign to replace them.
Prevent kidney issues with the right diet
In addition to using safe tableware, focusing on a kidney-friendly diet can help you maintain your health. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as kidney beans, are highly recommended for renal health.
Remember to prioritize both the food you consume and the dishes you serve it on. Making a conscious decision about your tableware to avoid melamine exposure helps ensure that your hard work in choosing nutritious, organic food will benefit your overall well-being.
