Dr. Sanjay Gupta

So back to silicone.

It is more stable and it is more durable.

That's the headline.

One study found that when they put silicone in boiled water, there were almost no nanoparticles detected.

And because its main ingredient is inert, that means it doesn't interact with other chemicals like acids from foods.

So putting food in a silicone container is probably safer than a plastic one if you look at those particular issues alone.

Is it a better alternative to plastic?

Well, it lasts longer than plastic, so we end up replacing our items less frequently, and that cuts down on plastic in the environment.

So for that reason alone, it helps decrease the amount of microplastics and nanoplastics out there.

Silicone also seems safer in the oven and dishwasher because it can bear higher temperatures than most plastics.

Does it mean that silicone is perfect?

No.

there's a few things you should keep in mind.

First of all, silicone products are relatively new in the mainstream market, so there are fewer studies done on their safety in terms of long-term health benefits.

And if you are using silicone products, they usually have a maximum temperature listed that they can withstand.

Pay attention to that.

Don't exceed that temperature.

So, Melissa, something a lot of people are thinking about, talking about.

I appreciate you raising the question.

And I hope our podcast can continue to stimulate your curiosity on all the things that you do in your life, day in and day out.