Microplastics lately has been under a microscope, especially given that people consume between them 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles annually. That number reaches 74,000 to 121,000 particles when you include those we breathe. Microplastic has become such a part of our lives that a new study Found A plastic spoon is worth small plastic knives in the human brain tissue. It sounds bad, but exactly how bad is it?
To dig deeper, we talked to a family doctor about what is considered a “safe” level of microplasty, in which foods are hidden and how to limit your exposure.
How many microplastics are too much?
“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, ”Dr -Josephoseph Merklsaid an osteopathic doctor authorized by the board, in an email.
Microplastic can enter our food because of pollution where food is grown, cultivated or processed. Mercolas explained that the use of plastic coverings of mulch and plastic seed in agriculture and irrigation with contaminated water is among the different ways in which microplastic can end up in food. Plastic packaging, accessories and containers are additional sources.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, electricity The evidence does not suggest That the level of microplastics in food is a risk for us. However, you may want to minimize how much microplasty you consume. These are the most common foods that contain microplastics and measures you can adopt to reduce plastic intake.
Top 10 foods in your diet containing microplasty
Seafood
One of the most important ways in which plastic particles end up in our food is through disposable plastic that breaks down and find the way into aquatic roads and soil. When they reach the oceans, they end up in our seafood.
“Microplastics then take over Plankton and make a mistake for fish and selfish food,” Mercola said. “Small particles accumulate in the meat … Then they end up on our plates.”
A recent study published by Portland State University found a variety of microplasty in 180 of 182 seafood tested Samples. Microfibers are the most common type of microplastic gift, but this is not the only species that ends in our oceans.
Tea handbags
Often used plastic called polypropylene Make tea bagsAnd even if you choose paper tea bags, there can still be microplastics. The question is that when the bags contact warm water, microplastic can be released into your tea.
Researchers at Barcelona Autonomous University have found that polypropylene tea bags can release plastic Particles in billions And nylon and cellulose tea bags can release them in millions.
How to avoid that: You don't have to stop drinking tea. Transfer to loose leaves and invest in A. Stainless steel diffuser To enjoy your microplasty tea.
Rice
Rice is also a hot point for microplastics. A study at the University of Queensland found that for every half cup of rice, there is 3 to 4 milligrams of plastic. If you use instant rice packs, that number is four times higher, at 13 milligrams.
How to avoid that: The study revealed that Washing the rice It can reduce plastic contamination by 20% to 40%, although it is worth noting that the study used filtered water for rinsing.
Salt and sugar
When you leave the dinner by sprinkling salt, you get the unintentional side of microplastics. It is difficult to overcome salt. It is almost in everything we eat, and our bodies need a certain amount of sodium to keep our fluids and electrolytes balanced.
Unfortunately, a study found that 90% of 39 samples of salt brands The world contained microplastics. This is probably the result of environmental pollution and the production and packaging process, which includes plastic. Microplastics have also been Found in sugar.
How to avoid that: To reduce exposure to microplastics in your salt and sugar, you can buy them packed in glass or cardboard.
Bottled water
Bottle water is one of the most famous sources of micro and nanoplasty. A study estimates that there is for 240,000 plastic particles In a liter of bottled water. Most plastic water bottles you buy at the store are made of polyethylene thereftalate or pet, plastic, so it was not surprising to see it was presented. Plastic particles decompose when the bottles are drained or exposed to heat. And pet plastic is not the only type of nanoplastic researchers found In plastic bottles of water.
How to avoid that: Drinking tap water from a A container of stainless steel or glass It can reduce the risk of entering plastic particles.
Sweetheart
Maybe you don't expect your own Sweetheart Keep microplastics, but it does, even if it is in a glass jar. Microplastic fibers can be monitored on bees and pollution. A study exploring whether the microplastics introduced or carried by bees then was included in the nettle found that bees could continue with Microplasty scattering Through honey.
How to avoid that: Buying honey from local beekeepers that often use more natural and sustainable harvesting methods can reduce the risk of microplastic contamination.
Fruits and vegetables
Vegetables and fruits are an essential part of a balanced diet. Unfortunately, they can also contain microplastics. One study that took the sample fruits and vegetables I discovered that Apples were the most Polluted fruits and carrots were the most polluted vegetables. How is this going?
“It has been shown that plants are introduced by micro- and soil nanoplastics through their root systems, thereby polluting the eating parts,” Mercola said.
Many groceries also pack fruits and vegetables in plastic to keep them fresh. According to the FDA, no Sufficient evidence To determine that the microplastics of plastic food packaging migrates to food. But Merka suggests you avoid it as much as you can.
How to avoid that: Wash the fruit thoroughly, peel when possible and decide on local or organic production.
Protein
A recent study by Ocean Provision Researchers found that 88% of vegetables and animal protein Contains a certain level of microplasty. But highly processed proteins, as plant -based alternatives, fish sticks or chicken lumps, the most microplasty harbor, indicating microplastic contamination partially comes from Food processing. The study found that bread shrimp have an average of 300 microplastic pieces per serving. The nuggets had 100 pieces per serving.
Food processing is not the only way microplastic can enter these sources of protein. Microplastic is in feed and in the surroundings where animals are grown. Alternatives based on plants can be contaminated through soil or irrigation.
How to avoid that: After reading this, you may be wondering what protein you should eat. The reality is that more research is needed to know the exact levels and their impact on our health. Our bodies need protein to function, so getting it is important enough, no matter which source you choose.
Read more: Easy Visual Protein Guide to help you achieve maximum muscle benefits
What do microplastics in food mean?
So, does all food contain microplastics? I can't say for sure. However, I can tell you that more research is needed to understand how microplasty foods affect us. However, although long -term health effects remain under investigation, microplastics are something you need to be careful about and protect yourself from if you can, as Mercola explained.
“It has been discovered that microplasty ingested is accumulated in the circulatory system and various organs, including the brain, where they can cause inflammation and damage to the tissues,” Merka said.
Other potential side effects are hormonal imbalances caused by Chemicals that disrupt endocrine Found in plastic. Microplastics can also absorb others Environmental toxins and introduce them into the body.
There is no safe level of microplastics and we cannot completely overcome them: they are everywhere and in everything. But the idea is good to minimize exposure where you can.
Expert advice on reducing microplasty intake
You can diminish by following this advice:
Be careful how many shells you eat
Shells like shells, oyster and shells have higher levels of microplastics, so don't overdo it.
Avoid food storage containers made of plastic
This is one of the biggest proposals of Merka, because of the “plastic chemicals” in the plastic. BPA and phthalates are chemicals that disrupt endocrine that can transmit from plastic to food. They are fat soluble, so it happens the easiest with fatty foods. It is best to store fat foods in glass containers. If you need to store dry food in plastic.
Avoid food wrapped in plastic
This can be said easier than done, but something is to strive for areas where you can make the switch.
Get rid of plastic kitchen utensils
From the spoons we use to stir the sauces to the cutting boards we use to chop the vegetables, if they are plastic, you insert microplastics. The good rule of the thumb is: Everything is plastic that comes in contact with your food should be replaced for ceramics, glass, stainless steel or wood.
To help solve the overall microplasty issue in food, you can install a filter in the washing machine. If you can afford it, a special filter will catch microfibers before contaminating water systems. The Microfiber Filter from Planet 2.0 It starts at $ 125.
We still have a lot to learn about microplastics and their long -term implications for our health when introduced. It may be difficult to hear that they are in so many of our food, but it should not turn you away to eat well. A A balanced diet The protein, fruits and vegetables will provide your body to have enough fuel to function and progress – Microplastics or not.