Endocrine disruptors in food: what should you know?

Nutrition is a pillar of health, yet today, it hides invisible, silent substances capable of disrupting metabolism and the hormonal system: endocrine disruptors. Nutrition is, in fact, one of the main sources of exposure to endocrine disruptors. The use of pesticides, packaging… Many things pollute our food. We explain everything to you.

Which endocrine disruptors are found in our food?

To adopt a more conscious diet that is less polluted by endocrine disruptors, it is essential to understand how they infiltrate our food. It is not the foods themselves that carry them, but rather the environment in which they grow or are stored. Specifically, they are polluted by:

Pesticides and agricultural residues

Chemical substances used in conventional agriculture to protect crops pollute fruits, vegetables, and grains and have harmful effects on the body and the environment. These foods contain pesticide residues that can significantly disrupt the endocrine system. Unfortunately, these substances can persist despite washing, as they sometimes penetrate deep into the food.

Food plastics and preservation coatings

The way food is stored also plays a central role in exposure to endocrine disruptors. Substances contained in plastics and the coatings of cans can migrate into the food they contain. Specifically, bisphenol A and its derivatives, as well as phthalates, are found in them.

Environmental contaminants

Some endocrine disruptors are not added directly but come from the overall pollution of the environment. Dioxins, PCBs, and other persistent organic pollutants accumulate in food chains. These substances reflect an environmental memory: they tell the story of our past industrial choices and their lasting impacts on living beings.

Industrial foods

Food processing can also be a source of indirect exposure. Some additives, processing agents, or contaminants generated during industrial processes are suspected of having effects on the endocrine system. The more processed a food is, the more it accumulates potential sources of exposure: raw materials, processes, packaging. Conversely, simple, raw, and minimally handled foods remain the easiest for the body to understand.

How do these substances end up on our plates?

So you understand, all the substances, chemical or not, listed above can very easily end up on your plates without a good understanding of endocrine disruptors. They do not enter food through a single path. They take several routes, often complementary.

Residues on fruits and vegetables, transfer from plastic packaging and cans, contamination during processing or cooking… For example, a small dish made with organic ingredients can be polluted by BPA because it is reheated in a plastic container. Thus, very often, it is not the food itself that is the issue, but the entire journey it takes before reaching us.

What are the health risks?

Endocrine disruptors have harmful effects on health: they disrupt the endocrine system, our hormonal system; an essential component of human metabolism regulating many processes: growth, reproduction, metabolism, mood, sleep… Endocrine disruptors can interfere with this system by mimicking or blocking the action of natural hormones, which can lead to hormonal disorders: reduced fertility, early puberty, and even disorders in children in cases of in utero exposure during pregnancy.

In the long term, repeated exposure is also associated with various other possible effects such as metabolic disorders or an increased risk of certain hormone-dependent cancers.

How to limit endocrine disruptors in your diet?

It is possible, by adopting simple habits, to limit your exposure to endocrine disruptors in your diet. Overall, it is recommended to:

• Favor organic, local, and seasonal foods;
• Prefer raw foods over processed foods;
• Wash fruits and vegetables properly before consuming them;
• Avoid plastic or canned storage methods, and prefer glass options;
• Do not heat food in plastic containers;
• Avoid buying over-packaged products.

Ultimately, the goal is to return to a simpler diet.

Labeling and regulation: where do we stand?

In recent years, in France, a general awareness and numerous studies and research by ANSES have led the government to implement a national anti-endocrine disruptor strategy by adopting a regulatory framework, a pioneering act among European countries.

Some substances are now banned or restricted, especially in food containers. Indeed, bisphenol A has been banned in baby bottles and food containers. Additionally, the law requires products on the market to identify the presence of endocrine disruptors. The goal of these regulations is to protect the health of populations and the ecosystem.

However, the regulation remains partial. The effects of mixtures of substances are still poorly considered, and labeling often lacks clarity to allow consumers to make fully informed choices. In this context, individual vigilance is key.

In conclusion, limiting exposure to endocrine disruptors through diet is one of the keys to preserving your health. It means learning to live differently, more consciously and simply. Every food choice, even modest, can become an act of care. For yourself, for others, for the environment.

Remember that nutrition is only one entry point among others. Endocrine disruptors are also present at many other levels such as everyday objects, cosmetics, perfumes, and household products. That is why Aimée de Mars offers you products that are increasingly respectful of your body and your inner well-being.