Eating from plastic trays will put you in hospital! A danger for your heart and intestines...
The use of plastic in our food is ubiquitous, but at what cost? A recent study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety highlights the potential risks associated with exposure to food plastics. From intestinal disturbances to cardiovascular risks, the findings of Chinese researchers from Ningxia Medical University are cause for concern. We tell you more ;).
A disturbing infiltration of plastic into our food
Plastics have become an essential part of our daily lives: food packaging, bottles, microwavable trays... Yet their impact on our health is far from harmless. According to a Chinese study published in December 2024 in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, plastic particles easily infiltrate food, particularly when heated in plastic containers. Ingested repeatedly, these microparticles could disrupt our intestinal microbiota and lead to chronic inflammation.
To reach this conclusion, the researchers conducted experiments on rats. Some of the rodents were exposed to boiled water stored in a plastic container, while the control group drank uncontaminated water. The results revealed worrying alterations in the digestive systems of rodents exposed to plastic particles.
( source: Futurism, 2024).
Proven cardiovascular risks
Beyond intestinal disorders, the study highlights a potential link between plastic exposure and an increased risk of heart failure. By questioning 3,200 individuals about their consumption of plastic foods and their state of health, the researchers observed a correlation between high exposure to plastic and damage to the heart muscle (source: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2024).
The scientists also found that the frequency of exposure had no major influence on the onset of symptoms. Whether the ingestion of microparticles was daily or more occasional, the adverse effects on the heart were similar. These results suggest a worrying capacity for plastic to penetrate and affect our bodies over the long term(Futurism, 2024).
Necessary research and alternatives to consider
Although these findings are alarming, the researchers stress the need for further studies to establish a clear causal link between plastic and the pathologies observed. "Further research is needed to elucidate the health impacts of long-term exposure to plastic products", state the study's authors (Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2024).
In the meantime, it is advisable to limit the use of plastic containers for food and drink as much as possible, in particular by avoiding heating meals in plastic trays. Favoring alternatives such as glass, stainless steel or biodegradable materials could be a solution to reducing the health and environmental risks associated with the massive use of plastic.
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