In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. We often grab a quick drink from the can without thinking twice about it. But did you know that drinking straight from cans can pose some surprising health risks?
1. Bacterial Contamination
Cans are often stored and transported in less-than-ideal conditions, which can lead to bacterial contamination. When you drink straight from the can, you’re putting yourself at risk of ingesting these harmful bacteria.
2. Aluminum Exposure
Cans are lined with a thin layer of aluminum to prevent corrosion and protect the beverage inside. However, this aluminum can leach into your drink, especially if the can is dented or damaged. Over time, exposure to aluminum can lead to a number of health problems, including Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis.
3. Bisphenol-A (BPA) Exposure
Many cans are lined with a resin that contains BPA, a chemical that has been linked to a number of health problems, including infertility, heart disease, and cancer. When you drink from the can, you’re exposing yourself to BPA, which can leach into your beverage.
4. Increased Sugar Intake
Many canned beverages are high in sugar, and drinking straight from the can can make it easy to consume more sugar than you realize. This can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and other health problems.
5. Increased Risk of Cuts and Injuries
The sharp edges of cans can easily cut your lips or tongue. Additionally, if you’re not careful, you could chip your tooth on the can.
What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk?
Here are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of the health problems associated with drinking straight from cans:
- Pour your beverage into a glass before drinking. This will help to prevent bacterial contamination and reduce your exposure to aluminum and BPA.
- Avoid drinking from dented or damaged cans.
- Choose beverages that are packaged in glass or plastic bottles instead of cans.
- Limit your intake of sugary drinks.
- Be careful when drinking from cans to avoid cuts and injuries.