Monday's health links

1. A new study suggests that in the US food, canned food especially, might represent a significant way that BPA, or bisphenol A, is making it into our bodies. Researchers found the most BPA in specific brands of green beans and soup, and in smaller amounts in some canned spaghetti and meatballs, infant formula, tuna, vegetable and fruit juices and other soups. Again, the brand mattered - for example, BPA was found in Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna in Water but not in Bumble Bee. BPA has been linked to serious health concerns such as cancer, heart disease, and developmental problems. Last month, the Canadian government declared it a toxic substance, starting the process from which regulations will be developed for managing the risks it poses. From the lead researcher on the US study, "The so-called safe levels of acceptable daily intake are derived as though there are no other chemicals present, and that's not true," he said. "I do not feel comfortable with finding these levels of BPA in U.S. food."
2.  Spring ahead, fall back...and take your vitamin D. Canadians, especially those living in the north, are being reminded that with the switch back to standard time we will be seeing less and less sunlight.
3. Sugar and the health risks it poses, whatever its form. I've started substituting agave syrup for sugar in tea and in some recipes. Dr. Andrew Weil talks about it here.