Most Common Overlooked Dangers of Parabens You Should Know About
Are parabens really bad? If you haven't heard of parabens, then chances are you haven't heard of the dangers of parabens either. Parabens are a group of synthetic chemicals that are used as preservatives in a number of products; foods, cosmetics, deodorants, moisturizers, and shampoos, for example. You might find them under the names of methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylbaraben, butyleparaben, and others. These chemicals mimic our own hormones and disrupt the endocrine system when they are absorbed through the skin.
Potential Cancer Risks
Studies have indicated that not only do parabens enter the body through absorption, they may also be a leading cause of cancer; specifically breast and prostate cancer. Parabens, particularly methylparaben, have been found in high concentrations within breast tumors, and while this doesn't necessarily mean they caused the tumor, it does indicate a strong connection.
Serious Effects on Children
Because parabens can mimic other hormones, they have a profound affect upon children. We are now seeing girls hit puberty as early as age 8 and boys experiencing testicular enlargement and breast development. If these dangers of parabens concern you, make sure to check each product you allow your kids to use. Parabens are found in shampoos and deodorants as well as lip balms marketed at young girls. In fact, they are found in just about every cosmetic based product, so take the time to look closely.
Low Sperm Count
If you are under the impression that more people seem to be having problems with infertility, you are probably right. Aside from the fact that people are generally waiting longer to have kids, they are also constantly exposed to parabens throughout their lives. Research shows a clear connection between the level of paraben exposure and decreased sperm count.
Why Use Parabens at All?
Knowing what we now know about the dangers of parabens, why would any responsible company continue to use them? The bottom line is, well, the bottom line. Parabens are cheap. They allow products to sit for years without spoiling. Less spoilage means fewer returns, longer shelf lives and increased product stability. What company doesn't want to see its bottom line grow?
Worried Now?
If all this information has you feeling a bit skittish, don't panic. Yes, there are plenty of dangers of parabens you may not have known about, but eventually the body does remove these chemicals from your systems. That is, it can if you start using natural products which do not use cheaper ingredients just for the sake of bigger profits.
Shampoos, conditioners, lip balms, and lotions are fairly easy to find in a variety of healthy food stores. For safe skin care, and particularly facial care, you would probably do best to go online and find a manufacturer who stresses organic, natural ingredients and leaves parabens entirely off the list.
You can find excellent products that work even better than those commercial brands, and will make your face smooth, soft and radiant. Don't wait until new studies come out with even more concerning information about the dangers of parabens; protect your health now.
Potential Cancer Risks
Studies have indicated that not only do parabens enter the body through absorption, they may also be a leading cause of cancer; specifically breast and prostate cancer. Parabens, particularly methylparaben, have been found in high concentrations within breast tumors, and while this doesn't necessarily mean they caused the tumor, it does indicate a strong connection.
Serious Effects on Children
Because parabens can mimic other hormones, they have a profound affect upon children. We are now seeing girls hit puberty as early as age 8 and boys experiencing testicular enlargement and breast development. If these dangers of parabens concern you, make sure to check each product you allow your kids to use. Parabens are found in shampoos and deodorants as well as lip balms marketed at young girls. In fact, they are found in just about every cosmetic based product, so take the time to look closely.
Low Sperm Count
If you are under the impression that more people seem to be having problems with infertility, you are probably right. Aside from the fact that people are generally waiting longer to have kids, they are also constantly exposed to parabens throughout their lives. Research shows a clear connection between the level of paraben exposure and decreased sperm count.
Why Use Parabens at All?
Knowing what we now know about the dangers of parabens, why would any responsible company continue to use them? The bottom line is, well, the bottom line. Parabens are cheap. They allow products to sit for years without spoiling. Less spoilage means fewer returns, longer shelf lives and increased product stability. What company doesn't want to see its bottom line grow?
Worried Now?
If all this information has you feeling a bit skittish, don't panic. Yes, there are plenty of dangers of parabens you may not have known about, but eventually the body does remove these chemicals from your systems. That is, it can if you start using natural products which do not use cheaper ingredients just for the sake of bigger profits.
Shampoos, conditioners, lip balms, and lotions are fairly easy to find in a variety of healthy food stores. For safe skin care, and particularly facial care, you would probably do best to go online and find a manufacturer who stresses organic, natural ingredients and leaves parabens entirely off the list.
You can find excellent products that work even better than those commercial brands, and will make your face smooth, soft and radiant. Don't wait until new studies come out with even more concerning information about the dangers of parabens; protect your health now.
Source...