Keeping Vegetables in Plastic Bags: How Does it Affect Your Health?
In Indian homes, women often buy vegetables and store them in plastic bags in the refrigerator. This habit is common, but one cannot even imagine how dangerous it can be. Recently, a study has revealed how things kept in plastic bags can harm your health.
Nowadays, you get most of the food items in plastic bags or containers. They are then stored in the fridge in the same way. Be it a sandwich brought from outside or packed food. But let’s find out how these common daily habits are harming your health.
What does the research say?
A study published in the NPJ Science of Food journal explains how repeatedly opening and closing the lids of glass and plastic bottles releases microplastic and nanoplastic particles present in them and gets dissolved in our drinks.
The Scientific Communication Officer of the Food Packaging Forum, an organization that researches food items, says, “Research has shown that the number of microplastics increases with every attempt to open a bottle. That is, every time you open the bottle, micro- and nanoplastics will be released. According to the study, so far micro and nanoplastic particles have been found in foods and drinks such as beer, canned fish, rice, mineral water, tea bags, table salt, takeaway food, and soft drinks.
What are microplastics?
First of all, let us know what microplastics are. These are small plastic particles, which are not even visible. They are formed by the breakdown of plastic. Sometimes their size can be a little bigger. According to scientists, you will find them in every plastic item, and now they have reached our food items as well. This has also been revealed in recent research, which clearly explains how microplastics are now contaminating our food, which is also having a bad effect on health.
How Dangerous Is Keeping Food in Plastic Bags?
Plastic is everywhere—in our food packaging, utensils, and containers. But its widespread use is now raising serious health concerns, especially due to microplastics entering our bodies.
Microplastics Are Entering Our Food and Bodies
- Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can mix into food, drinks, and kitchen items.
- They are small enough to enter human tissues and travel through the bloodstream.
- Studies show up to 96% of packaged foods contain microplastics.
Health Risks Linked to Microplastics
- Microplastics have been found in the blood, lungs, and even brains of humans.
- A study revealed 80% of people had microplastics in their blood.
- 58% of people were found to have microplastics in their arteries.
- These individuals are 4.5 times more likely to suffer heart attacks or strokes.
- Microplastics can trigger chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of:
- Heart disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Cancer
Harvard researchers have also expressed special concern about chronic inflammation caused by microplastics. This causes inflammation in the body, which persists for a long time. Long-term inflammation in the body can increase the risk of serious diseases. Such as heart disease, autoimmune disease, and even cancer.
Safer Ways to Store Food and Vegetables
Avoid plastic bags when storing food or vegetables. Try these alternatives:
- Use cloth bags, net bags, or steel containers.
- Store items in baskets made from safe, natural materials.
- Buy fresh and in small quantities to avoid excess storage.
- Always carry a reusable bag when shopping to reduce plastic use.
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