Everyday habits such as drinking coffee right after a meal or storing hot food in plastic containers can affect health, according to a medical specialist.
Dr. Himika Chawla, an endocrinology and diabetes specialist, outlined common daily habits that warrant caution, The Indian Express reported recently.
Tea and Coffee After Meals: A Caution for Those Low on Iron
People with insufficient iron should be careful about drinking tea or coffee immediately after eating.
"People with anemia, pregnant women, women with heavy menstrual bleeding and those who do not get enough iron from their diet should avoid drinking tea or coffee right after an iron-rich meal," Chawla said. Certain compounds in tea and coffee can interfere with iron absorption.
Those concerned about iron absorption can wait one to two hours after a meal before having tea or coffee. People low on iron may also benefit from pairing foods rich in plant-based iron with foods high in vitamin C.
Still, people with normal iron levels do not need to avoid tea or coffee after meals altogether. What matters is adjusting the timing to individual health conditions and eating habits.
Hot Food and Plastic Containers Also Warrant Attention
Placing hot food in plastic containers, or heating food directly in them, also calls for caution.
"When food is placed in unsuitable plastic containers and heated, chemicals are more likely to leach out of the container and migrate into the food," Chawla said.
For hot food or microwave use, choose food-grade plastic containers that are clearly labeled as safe for that purpose.
Plastic containers that are scratched, damaged or warped are best left unused. Heating food in single-use plastic containers that were not made for microwaves should also be avoided.
Glass or stainless steel containers are an alternative for food served at very high temperatures.
"It is not that all plastics are toxic — what matters is which type of plastic you use and how you use it," Chawla added.
