Microplastics aren’t just found in seafood. Here are 9 other foods with more microplastics than you think

a New research From the University of California, Los Angeles discovered that chewing gum has microplastics. According to a statement published in the book, both natural and synthetic gum release microplastics into the mouth. Chemistry for Life. Of the 10 brands of chewing gums tested, they all contain microplastics. According to the statement, “(The lab) measured an average of 100 microplastics released per gram of gum, while some individual gum pieces released 600 microplastics per gram.”

This is not the first study of this kind. Microplastics are recently under microscopes, especially considering that people are presumed to consume in between. 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles Every year. That number would range from 74,000 to 121,000 particles, including those we breathe in. Microplastics has become a huge part of our lives. Found Small plastic fragments of plastic spoons in human brain tissue. That sounds bad, but how bad is it exactly?

To dig deeper, we spoke with family doctors about what we count as “safe” levels of microplastics.

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 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 have since been picked up by plankton and mistakenly mistaken for fish and selfish food,” Mercola said. “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 particles And 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’s almost everything we eat, and our bodies need a certain amount of sodium to balance our liquids and electrolytes.

Unfortunately, one study found it 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 microplastic 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. Unfortunately, they 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 researchers at Ocean Conservancy shows 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 food microplastic 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 kept in mind 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 Endocrine dentition chemicals 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

You can 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. They are fat-soluble, which is the easiest to occur in fatty foods. It is best to store fatty foods in a glass container. You can store dry food in plastic if necessary.

Avoid plastic-wrapped foods
This is easier said than done, but it’s something you’ll strive for in the area where you can make the switch.

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.

To address the overall problem with microplastics in food, you can attach a filter to the clothing washer. 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.