7 everyday foods that “poison” your body with plastic without you realizing it

Verywell Health, a health news website, listed seven everyday foods that are full of microplastics, and offered some simple ways to avoid exposure to these particles.

bottled water

Bottled water in plastic bottles may seem convenient and sometimes necessary when tap water is unavailable, but it is a major source of microplastic particles .

In one study, researchers found that one liter of bottled water contains about 240,000 small pieces of plastic .

manufactured proteins

Processed proteins such as chicken nuggets and plant-based meats are a source of microplastics.

A study in the United States found that these products expose adults to approximately 11,000 microplastic particles annually.

fast food

Ready-made food containers and fast food packaging materials are common sources of microplastic exposure.

Plastic gloves worn by restaurant workers can also transfer microplastics to food.

Dairy products

The association of dairy products such as milk and cheese with plastic is not limited to packaging or processing, but extends to the chemical compounds that make up plastic, which tend to bind to fat molecules.

Researchers have previously found microplastic compounds in human breast milk.

rice

Instant and processed rice products contain high levels of plastic .

Australian researchers estimated that an individual ingests about three to four milligrams of plastic for every half cup of rice.

chewing gum

Research has shown that chewing gum for just two minutes releases plastic compounds in the mouth, and researchers have found that even natural gum contains plastic compounds.

• tea bags

Commercial tea bags are made of plastic materials, and soaking the bag in boiling water releases billions of microplastic particles.

Can microplastics be avoided?

Microplastics are difficult to avoid because they are everywhere, but being aware of the sources of these compounds and making some simple adjustments can reduce exposure to them.

It is recommended to:

1. Use a glass water bottle and a reusable cup.
2. Replace tea bags with tea leaves.
3. Cook at home as much as possible.
4. Wash the rice before cooking.