One Side of Microplastics, Please. Foods With Plastic Inside and Swaps to Make
Recent research Established The value of the entire plastic spoon in tiny plastic fragments in human brain tissue. It’s crazy, right? Some researchers estimate that people are 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles each year. If we add how much we breathe, the number will reach 74,000 to 121,000.
Microplastics are not something we can surpass. 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 ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe’ micro-intake levels. Mercea board-certified family medicine osteoporosis physician said in an email.
Due to the cultivation, feeding or processing of food, micro plastics can enter our food. Mercola explains that the use of plastic coverings and plastic seed coatings in agriculture, as well as irrigation with contaminated water, is the various ways that microplastics end up in food. Plastic packaging, utensils and containers are other sources.
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 need to take some simple steps to minimize the amount of microplastic consumed. Continue reading to learn the most common foods that contain microplastics, and there are some things you can do to reduce your plastic intake.
Top 10 Foods with Microplastics in Diet
seafood
One of the most important ways plastic particles end up in our food is to break down through singular plastic and enter waterways and soil. When they reached the ocean, they ended up in our seafood.
“Then plankton then takes microplastics and is mistaken for fish and selfish food,” Mesora said. “The tiny particles accumulate in the meat…and then end up on our plate.”
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
A plastic called polypropylene is commonly used Make tea bagseven if you choose a paper tea bag, there may still be microplastics in it. The problem is that when the bag comes into contact with hot water, the micro plastic may be released into your tea.
Researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona found that polypropylene tea bags can release plastic Billions Nylon and cellulose tea bags can be released in millions of dollars.
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 microplastics. A study by the University of Queensland found that every half cup of rice has 3 to 4 mg plastic. If you use instant rice bread, that number is four times that of 13 mg.
How to avoid it: 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
When you sprinkle salt on dinner, you get the unintentional side of microplastics. It’s hard to surpass salt. This is pretty much everything we eat, and our bodies need a certain amount of sodium to keep our liquid and electrolyte balanced.
Unfortunately, a study found 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 it: To reduce the exposure of 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. A study estimated that 240,000 plastic pellets Use bottled water. Most plastic water bottles you buy in the store are made of phthalate or pet plastic, so it is no surprise to see it as a representation. When the bottle is squeezed or exposed to heat, the plastic particles can break. Pet plastic is not the only nanoplastic researcher Found In a plastic water bottle.
How to avoid it: Drinking tap water from stainless steel or glass containers can reduce the risk of ingesting plastic particles.
Honey
You may not expect yours Honey Hidden microplastics, but even in glass jars. Microfibers can be traced back to bees and contamination. A study explores whether bees consume or carry microplastics that are then incorporated into the beehive and found that bees can continue Diffusion of microplastics By honey.
How to avoid it: Buy honey from local beekeepers whose frequent use of more natural and sustainable harvesting methods may reduce the risk of microplastic contamination.
Fruits and vegetables
Vegetables and fruits are important components of a balanced diet. Unfortunately, they can also contain microplastics. A study of sampling Fruits and vegetables Discover Apple is the biggest Contaminated fruits and carrots are the most contaminated vegetables. How did this happen?
“Plants have been shown to absorb micro and nanoplastics from the soil through their root systems, contaminating the edible parts,” said Messora.
Many grocery stores also pack fruits and vegetables in plastic to keep them fresh. According to the FDA, no Enough evidence To determine if the microplastics in plastic packaging migrate to food. But Mercola recommends you avoid it as much as possible.
How to avoid it: Wash the fruit thoroughly, peel as much as possible, and then choose local or organic products.
protein
A recent study by marine conservation researchers found 88% Vegetables and Animal Protein Contains a certain degree of microplastics. But highly processed proteins (such as plant-based alternatives, fish sticks or chicken nuggets) have the largest 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.
Food processing is not the only way for microplastics to enter these protein sources. Microplastic comes in Animal feed and in an environment where animals are kept. 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 protein no matter which source you choose.
Read more: Simple visual guide for protein to help you achieve maximum muscle growth
What does microplastics in food mean to you?
So, does all food contain microplastics? I can’t be sure. But, I can tell you that more research is needed to understand how eating food with microplastics affects us. Despite this, although long-term health effects are still under investigation, microplastics are still something to be taken care of and prevented, as Mercola explains.
“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 other Environmental toxins and introduce them into the body.
Without a certain level of microplastics, we cannot completely surpass them: they are everywhere. However, it is a good idea to minimize exposure.
Expert tips for reducing microplastic intake
You can reduce it by following the suggestions:
Be careful how much shellfish you eat
Shellfish like mussels, oysters and scallops have higher levels of microplastics, so don’t overuse.
Avoid food storage containers made of plastic
This is one of Mercola’s biggest suggestions because of the “plasticizing chemicals” in plastics. 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. If you want, you can store dry food in plastic.
Avoid plastic-wrapped food
This is easier said than done, but it’s something to work hard in areas where 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: Any plastic that comes into contact with food should be replaced with ceramic, glass, stainless steel or wood.
To help solve the overall problem of micro plastics in food, you can install filters in your washing machine. If you can afford it, a special filter will capture microfibers before contaminating the water system. this PlanetCare 2.0 Microfiber Filter Prices start at $125.
When ingesting, we also have a lot of knowledge about microplastics and their long-term health impact. It may be hard to hear them in many of our foods, but this should not stop you from eating well. one Balanced diet Protein, fruits and vegetables will ensure your body has enough fuel Function and growth – Micro plastic.
