Watch Out for Microplastics in These Common Foods
Recent research has been conducted Established The plastic value of the whole plastic spoon is in the human brain. It’s crazy, right? It is estimated that people are 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles each year. If we increase the intake through the inhalation, then that number will reach 74,000 to 121,000.
Microplastics are everywhere. They are in our water, our clothes and Our kitchen. Experts also found them in the food we ate. OK, it sounds bad, but how Isn’t it good?
“There is no formally established micro-intake levels of “safe” or “unsafe” levels. MerceThe board-certified family medicine osteoporosis physician said in an email.
Micro plastics can enter our food due to contamination of where it grows, is raised or processed. Mercola explains that commercial agriculture, plastic seed coatings and plastic coverings irrigated with contaminated water are also the ways microplastics end up in food. Add plastic packaging, utensils and containers and eat a lot of microplastics.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Evidence not recommended The level of microplastics in food is a risk to us. That said, you may still want to simply do some simple exchanges to minimize the microplastic consumed. These are some of the most common foods you find.
Top 10 foods in the diet include microplastics
seafood
One of the most important ways to finally get microplastics in our food is to overdose of single-use plastics that break down and enter waterways and soil. When they reached the ocean, they ended up in our seafood.
“Then take up the microplastics with plankton and are mistaken for food by fish and selfish food. Small particles accumulate in the meat and then end up on our plates on our plates.”
A new study published by Portland State University has discovered various microplastics 180 of 182 tested seafood sample. Microfiber is the most common type of microplastics, but this is not the only type that ends up in our oceans.
Tea bags
Polypropylene, a synthetic plastic, commonly used Make tea bags. Even if you intentionally grab the paper tea bag, there is still microplastic in it. The problem is that when you dip your tea bags into hot water, the tea bags may release microplastics in the tea.
A study by researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona found that it is more than just a small amount of microplastics. Polypropylene tea bags can be released Billions of pellets Nylon and cellulose tea bags release particles in millions.
How to avoid it: You don’t have to stop drinking tea. Use loose leaf tea instead, and then invest Stainless steel diffuser Enjoy tea without microplastics.
rice
Rice is also a hot spot for micro plastics. A study by the University of Queensland found that every half cup of rice has Three to four milligrams of plastic. If you use instant rice bread, the number is four times that of 13 mg.
How to avoid: Research findings Wash rice Plastic contamination can be reduced by 20% to 40%, although it is worth noting that the study uses filtered water for rinsing.
Salt and sugar
Unfortunately, when you sprinkle a supper with salt, you get the unintentional side of microplastics. It’s hard to surpass salt. It’s almost everything we eat, and our bodies need a certain level of sodium to keep our liquid and electrolyte balanced.
Unfortunately, Of the 39 sampled salt brands, 90% The world contains microplastics. This may be due to environmental pollution and the production and packaging processes including plastics. Microplastics have always been Found in sugar.
How to avoid: To minimize contact between microplastics in salt and sugar, you can purchase packaging that is packaged on glass or cardboard.
Bottled water
Bottled water is one of the most famous sources of micro and nanoplastics. One study estimates 240,000 plastic pellets In bottled water, it is equivalent to two standard water bottles. Most plastic water bottles you buy in the store are made of phthalate (PET) plastic, so it is no surprise to see it as representative. When the bottle is squeezed or exposed to heat, the plastic particles can break.
PET plastic is not the only nanoplastic found in plastic water bottles. Researchers have been searching Seven plastic typesincluding polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and polyamide, a nylon. However, these seven types account for only 10% of nanoparticles.
How to avoid it: Drinking tap water from stainless steel or glass glass or containers can reduce the risk of ingesting plastic particles.
Honey
You may not expect yours Honey jar It has microplastics, but even in glass jars. Microfibers can be traced back to bees. A study explores whether bees consume or carry microplastics and then incorporate bees into the hive, finding that bees can continue Diffusion of microplastics By honey.
How to avoid it: Buy honey from local beekeepers, who usually use more natural and sustainable harvesting methods that may reduce the risk of microplastic contamination.
Fruit or vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are the most important part of a balanced diet. Unfortunately, they can also contain levels of microplastic contamination. A study of sampling Fruits and vegetables Discover Apple is the biggest Contaminated fruit, while carrots are the most contaminated vegetables. But how did this happen?
“The plants have been shown to absorb microplastics and nanoplastics from the soil through their root systems, contaminating the edible parts,” Melcora said.
Not to mention, many grocery stores pack fruits and vegetables in plastic to keep them fresh. According to the FDA, no Enough evidence Say that the microplastics in plastic packaging migrate to food. However, Mercola recommends that you avoid it as much as possible.
How to avoid it: Wash the fruit thoroughly, peel as much as possible, and then choose topical or organic produce.
protein
A recent study by marine conservation researchers found 88% Vegetables and Animal Protein Has a certain degree of microplastics. However, highly processed proteins (such as plant-based alternatives, fish sticks or chicken nuggets) have the most microplastics, suggesting that the microplastic contamination part comes from Food Processing. The study found that the bread shrimp has an average of 300 microplastic fragments per serving. There are 100 pieces per serving of plant base.
However, food processing is not the only way for microplastics to enter these protein sources. Microplastic comes in Animal feed and the environment in which they raise. Plant-based alternatives can be contaminated by soil or irrigation.
How to avoid it: After reading, you may be wondering what protein you should eat. The reality is that more research is needed to understand the exact level and its impact on our health. Our bodies need protein to work, so it’s important to get enough of whatever source you get from it.
Read more: Simple visual guide for protein to help you achieve maximum muscle growth
What does microplastics in food mean to you?
Until now, you might be wondering if all foods contain microplastics. While I can’t say it for sure, I can say that more research is needed to understand how foods that consume microplastics affect us. But, as Mercola explains, the long-term health impact is still under investigation, and it is something to watch out for and act on if possible.
“The microplastics that are ingested accumulate in the circulatory system and in various organs, including the brain, can cause inflammation and tissue damage,” Mercola said.
Other potential side effects are Endocrine disrupting chemicals Found in plastic. Microplastics are also OK Absorb others Environmental toxins and introduce them into the body.
Without a certain level of microplastics, we can’t completely surpass them. They are everywhere. However, it is best to minimize exposure.
Expert tips for reducing micro intake:
- Watch your shellfish intake: Shellfish like mussels, oysters and scallops have higher levels of microplastics. While I’m not saying you need to cut them out completely, it’s worth adjusting if you want to recognize micro plastic exposure.
- Avoid plastic food storage containers: One of Mercola’s biggest advice is to avoid plastic containers because there are “plastic chemicals” in them. BPA and phthalates are endocrine disruption chemicals that can be transferred from plastic to food. They are fat-soluble, so fatty foods are most likely to occur. It is best to store food with fat in a glass container, although you can store dry food in plastic if you need it.
- Avoid plastic wrapped food: As much as possible, it is best to avoid food wrapped in plastic. This is easier said than done, especially because fresh food is more expensive than frozen and processed alternatives. Although this is something you can try to do in the area, you can switch.
- Get rid of plastic kitchen utensils: From the spoon, we use to stir the seasoning to the cutting board to chop the vegetables, and if they are plastic, then you are ingesting the micro plastic. A good rule of thumb is that any plastic that comes in contact with food should be replaced with ceramic, glass, wood or stainless steel.
- Install filters in the washing machine: If you can afford it, pay forward by installing a special filter on your washing machine that will capture microfibers into our sewage treatment system, which are often used as fertilizer or stuffed in water. this PlanetCare 2.0 Microfiber Filter Starting at $125.
We still have a lot to know as we ingest microplastics and their long-term health impact. It may be hard to hear them in many of our foods, although this should not prevent you from eating well.
Eat one Balanced diet Protein, fruits and vegetables will ensure your body has enough fuel Function and growth – Micro plastic.
