How to Eat Less Microplastics

Your kitchen is full of Microplastics | Here's how you can avoid more

Microplastics can be hidden in our cookware, food, and water bottles. Learn tips on how to avoid these tiny plastic particles to protect your health. 

Summary: Read the Full Article On the BBC

Microplastics are ubiquitous, present in our air, water, and even our food. Unknowingly, we are consuming thousands of Microplastics in our diet every day. Researchers believe that these tiny plastic particles mainly enter our diet through our cookware, food packaging, taps, and drinking water bottles. It is also found in our common foods, such as rice, meat, vegetables, and salt.

This article explains how plastic utensils like, chopping boards, non-stick cookware, and packaging, release Microplastics, especially when heated or stretched. It can also come from washing sponges and drinking plastic water bottles. Microwaving foods in plastic containers causes more Microplastics to enter our diet.

Experts say we can reduce Microplastics exposure in this way 

• Use glass, stainless steel, or wooden tools in the kitchen and avoid plastic ones. 
• Rinse rice, fish, meat, and vegetables before cooking them. 
• Avoid ultra-processed foods and plastic packaging when possible. 
• Replace old, damaged plastic containers with new ones. 
• Avoid non-stick cookware. 
• Do not microwave food in plastic containers; always use microwave-safe glasses for heating the food to avoid excess Microplastics in your diet. 
• Always use glass or stainless steel water bottles instead of plastic ones. 

Although the health effects of taking plastic particles are still being studied. Researchers found its traces in our blood, lungs, and even in our brains. This article emphasizes that while we cannot fully avoid consuming these tiny plastic particles but we can significantly cut down by making small changes in kitchen stuff and in daily habits.