10 common foods containing microplastics and how to avoid them

Microplastics is the world’s latest hidden hazard concern. They have also been found in chewing gum. Researchers at UCLA discovered that every time you chew gum, microplastics are released directly into your mouth. In addition, New research Published in Chemistry for Life We tested 10 chewing gum brands and found that all of them contain microplastics. This turns out to be true for both natural and synthetic varieties. On average, gum grams emit about 100 microplastics, with some pieces as much as 600.

As chewing gum is as common as microplastic delivery mechanisms, concerns about unconsciously consuming microplastics is growing. The average person will take it in between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles Previous research shows that every year it comes from food and drinks. If airborne particles are included, this number rises to above 120,000.

We spoke to our family doctor to better understand how this affects your health. We discussed what is considered a “safe” level of microplastic intake. This is the worst in terms of microplastic content and we discussed steps you can take right now to reduce exposure.

read more: Microplastics are hidden in your kitchen. Here’s how to find them

How many microplastics are there too many?

“There is no officially established “safe” or “unsafe” level of microplastic intake. It makes sense to want your exposure to be as low as possible,” says Dr. Joseph. merclea board-certified family medicine osteopathic doctor, said in an email.

Microplastics allow food to enter our food due to contamination that has been grown, raised or processed. Mercola used plastic mulch and plastic seed coatings in agriculture, explaining that irrigation with contaminated water is one of the many ways in which microplastics can end up with food. Plastic packaging, cooking utensils and containers are additional sauces.

US Food and Drug Administration, now No evidence suggests That the level of microplastics in food is a risk to us. However, you may want to minimize the amount of microplastic you passively consume. These are the most common foods that contain microplastics and are measures that can be adopted to reduce plastic intake.

Top 10 Foods in the Diet that Contains Microplastics

seafood

One of the most important ways that plastic particles end up in our food is to use single-use plastics that break down and invade waterways and soil. When they reach the sea, they end up with our seafood.

“The microplastics are then taken up by plankton and mistaken for food from fish and shellfish,” said Melcola. “The small particles accumulate in the meat…and then it ends on our plates.”

A recent study published by Portland State University has discovered a variety of microplastics. 180 out of 182 tested seafood sample. Microfibers are the most common type of microplastic presence, but this is not the only type that ends in our oceans.

tea bag

A plastic called polypropylene is often used. I’ll make a tea bagand even if you choose paper tea bags, they may still have microplastics. The problem is that when the bag comes into contact with hot water, microplastics can be released into the tea.

Researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona discovered that polypropylene tea bags can release plastic Billions of particlesand nylon and cellulose tea bags can release them to millions.

How to avoid it: You don’t need to stop drinking tea. Switch to loose leaf tea and invest in a Stainless Steel Diffuser Enjoy tea without microplastics.

Rice

Rice is also a hot spot for microplastics. According to a survey conducted by the University of Queensland, every half of the meal, 3-4 milligrams of plastic. When using instantaneous packets, the number is four times higher at 13 milligrams.

How to avoid it: This study discovered it Wash the rice It is noteworthy that the study used filtered water for rinses, but it can reduce plastic contamination by 20% to 40%.

Salt and sugar

Sprinkle salt to close out the dinner and you get the intentional side of microplastics. It’s difficult to overtake salt. It is almost everything we eat, and our bodies need a certain amount of sodium to balance our liquids and electrolytes.

One study found that 90% of 39 salt brands sampled Microplastics were contained all over the world. This can be attributed to environmental pollution and production and packaging processes that include plastics. The same goes for microplastics Found with sugar.

How to avoid it: To reduce your salt and sugar microplastic exposure, you can buy them It is wrapped in glass Or cardboard.

Bottle of water

Bottleded water is one of the best known sources of microplasticity and nanoplasty. One study estimated it existed 240,000 plastic particles 1 liter of bottled water. It wasn’t surprising to describe most plastic water bottles purchased in the store, as they are made of polyethylene terephthalate, or pets, plastic. When the bottle is squeezed or exposed to heat, the plastic particles fall apart. And Pet Plastic is not the only nanoplastic researcher i got you With a plastic water bottle.

How to avoid it: Drink tap water from a Stainless steel or glass container It reduces the risk of ingesting plastic particles.

Honey

You may not expect you Honey To embrace microplastics, but even if it’s in a glass jar. Microplastic fibers can be traced back to bees and pollution. One study examining whether microplastics ingested or carried by honeybees were incorporated into hives found that honeybees can continue Dispersion of microplastics Through honey.

How to avoid it: Buying honey from local beekeepers who often use more natural and sustainable harvesting methods can reduce the risk of microplastic contamination.

Fruits and vegetables

Vegetables and fruits are important parts of a balanced diet. It can also include microplastics. One sampled study Fruits and vegetables I found it The apple was the best Contaminated fruits and carrots were the most contaminated vegetables. How does this happen?

“Plants have been shown to intake microplastics and nanoplastics through the root system from the soil, thereby contaminating the edible parts,” said Melcola.

Many grocery stores keep fruits and vegetables fresh in plastic. According to the FDA, it’s not the case. Enough evidence To determine that microplastics from plastic food packaging will be transferred to food. However, Mercola suggests avoiding it whenever possible anyway.

How to avoid it: Wash the fruit thoroughly, peel if possible, and choose local or organic produce.

protein

A recent study from the Ocean Conservancy researchers showed that 88% of plant and animal protein It contains some degree of microplastics. However, highly processed proteins, such as plant-based alternatives, fish sticks and chicken nuggets, harbor the most microplastics of microplastics, suggesting that partially microcontamination occurs. Food Processing. This study found an average of 300 microplastic pieces per serving of bread shrimp. The plant-based nuggets had 100 pieces per serving.

It is not the only way microplastics can enter these protein sources. There is microplastics Animal feed And in an environment where animals can be raised. Plant-based alternatives can be contaminated through soil or irrigation.

How to avoid it: After reading it, you may wonder what protein to eat. The reality is that more research is needed to know the exact level and its impact on our health. Our body needs proteins to function, so it’s important to get enough, regardless of the source you choose.

read more: A simple protein visual guide to help you reach the greatest muscle benefits

What does microplastic food mean to you?

So, do all foods contain microplastics? I can’t say for sure. However, we can tell you that more research is needed to understand how eating foods with microplastics affect us. Still, although the long-term health impacts are under investigation, microplastics should be protected if possible, as explained by Mercola.

“The ingested microplastics are known to accumulate in a variety of organs, including the circulation system and the brain, where they can cause inflammation and tissue damage,” said Melcola.

Other potential side effects are hormonal imbalances caused by Chemicals in endocrine dentition Found in plastic. Microplastics can also be used I absorb other things Introducing environmental toxins and their bodies.

There is no established safe level of microplastics. We can’t pass them completely. They are everywhere, they are all in everything. However, it is a good idea to minimize exposure as much as possible.

Expert Tips for Reducing Microplastic Intake

Follow this advice to reduce.

Be careful how much you eat
Mussels, oysters, scallops and other shellfish have high levels of microplastics, so don’t overdo it.

Avoid plastic food storage containers
This is one of Mercola’s biggest suggestions for the “plasticizing chemicals” of plastics. BPA and phthalates are endocrine enriched chemicals that can be transferred from plastic to food. This is most easily occurring in fatty foods, as they are fat-soluble. It is best to store fatty foods in glass containers, but dry foods can be stored in plastic if necessary.

Avoid food wrapped in plastic
This is easier said than done, but it’s something you strive for in the realms you can switch to.

Remove plastic kitchen cooking utensils
From the spoons used to stir the sauce to the cutting boards used to chop vegetables, if they are plastic, you’re taking microplastics. A good rule of thumb is that the plastic that comes into contact with your food should be replaced for ceramic, glass, stainless steel, or wood.

Filters can be installed in the clothing washer to address the overall problem of microplastics in food. If you have the chance, special filters will catch the microfiber before contaminating the water system. PlanetCare 2.0 Microfiber Filter It starts at $125.

We should still learn a lot about microplastics and long-term effects on health when ingested. It may be difficult to hear that they are in many of our food, but that shouldn’t discourage you from eating well. a A balanced diet Protein, fruits and vegetables ensure that your body has enough fuel Function and prosperity – Microplastics or not.