Microplastics have been under microscopy recently, especially given that people estimate to consume between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles per year. When you include the particles we breathe, that number will reach 74,000 to 121,000 particles. Microplastics have become such a part of our lives that a new study has discovered the value of plastic spoons in human brain tissue. This sounds bad, but how bad is it?
To dig deeper, we talked with a family doctor about what is the “safe” level of microplastics, the food they hide in and how to limit your exposure.
How many microplastics are too much?
“There is no formally established ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe’ micro-intake levels. Hopefully your exposure can be as low as possible,” Dr. Joseph Mercola, a board-certified family medicine 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 in which microplastics end up appearing in food. Plastic packaging, utensils and containers are other sources.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the current evidence does not suggest that the level of microplastics in food is harmful to us. However, you may still want to minimize how much microplastic you passively consume. These are the most common foods that contain microplastics and measures can be taken to reduce 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 found 180 microplastics in 180 tested seafood samples. Microfiber is the most common type of microplastics, but this is not the only type that ends up in our oceans.
Tea bags
A type of plastic called polypropylene is often used to make tea bags, and even 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 have found that polypropylene tea bags can release billions of dollars in plastic particles, and 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, there are 3 to 4 mg of plastic. If you use instant rice bread, that number is four times that of 13 mg.
How to avoid it: The study found that washing rice 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 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, one study found that 90% of the 39 sampled salt brands worldwide contain microplastics. This may be due to environmental pollution and the production and packaging processes including plastics. Microplastics are also 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. One study estimated that about 240,000 plastic particles were found in a liter of 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 researchers found in plastic water bottles.
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 your honey to contain microplastics, but it will do even in a glass jar. Microfibers can be traced back to bees and contamination. A study explored whether bees ingest or carry microplastics and were then incorporated into the beehive and found that bees could continue to disperse the microplastics through 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 that sampled fruits and vegetables found that apples were the most contaminated fruit and carrots were 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, there is not enough evidence to determine that microplastics packaged in plastic food will migrate into 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 that 88% of vegetables and animal proteins contain a certain level of microplastics. However, highly processed proteins (such as plant-based alternatives, fish sticks or chicken nuggets) have the largest microplastics, suggesting that microplastic contamination is partly derived 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. Microplastics are in animal feed and in the 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 hormone imbalances caused by endocrine disruption chemicals in plastics. Microplastics can also 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. A balanced diet of protein, fruits and vegetables will ensure that your body has enough fuel to function and reproduce – microplastic or not.
