Many foods we consider healthy are actually filled with microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than five millimetres long. These contaminants have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer and DNA damage.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are everywhere—in our air, water, soil, and even our food. Once inside the body, they can cause harm. Some foods contain higher amounts of microplastics due to processing, packaging, or exposure to polluted environments. Surprisingly, even nutritious foods can be major sources of these plastic particles.
12 Common Foods Contaminated with Microplastics
1. Carrots
Carrots are packed with vitamin A, essential for vision, growth, and immunity. However, studies show root vegetables absorb microplastics from soil and water, with most of the particles staying in the roots. To reduce exposure, consider eating spinach or bell peppers instead, according to dailymail.co.uk.
2. Plant-Based Nuggets
Highly processed plant-based nuggets often contain significant amounts of microplastics due to packaging and production methods. Making your own at home using tofu or seitan can help reduce plastic intake.
3. Apples
Despite their health benefits, apples have one of the highest levels of microplastics among fruits. The particles enter through the tree’s roots and accumulate in the fruit. A better choice would be berries like blueberries or grapes, which contain antioxidants that may help counteract microplastic damage.
4. Rice
Rice absorbs microplastics from soil, processing equipment, and packaging. Studies show that instant rice contains even higher levels. Washing rice before cooking can reduce plastic contamination by up to 40%.
5. Bottled Water
Bottled water is a major source of microplastics, with one study finding 240,000 plastic particles per liter. Opting for a reusable water bottle can significantly cut down exposure.
6. Pre-Packaged Salads
Plastic packaging sheds tiny particles into pre-made salads. The best way to avoid this is by making your own salad using fresh vegetables, as per dailymail.co.uk.
7. Seafood
Fish and shellfish contain high levels of microplastics due to ocean pollution. Shellfish lovers can ingest up to 11,000 plastic particles a year. Reducing seafood consumption and avoiding highly processed fish products can help lower intake.
8. Pink Himalayan Salt
Unrefined salts, including Pink Himalayan salt, contain more microplastics than processed table salt because they absorb pollutants from the environment. Choosing refined table salt can help limit exposure.
9. Processed Dairy
Highly processed dairy products, such as powdered cheese and conventional milk, have been found to contain more microplastics than organic alternatives. Choosing locally sourced, organic dairy can help reduce plastic consumption.
10. Nylon Tea Bags
Steeping tea in nylon bags releases billions of microplastic particles into your drink. Switching to paper tea bags or loose-leaf tea with a reusable strainer is a safer alternative.
11. Seaweed
Seaweed naturally traps microplastics from the ocean, and washing methods fail to remove most of them. To reduce exposure, consider using alternatives like rice paper or lettuce for sushi wraps, according to dailymail.co.uk.
12. Honey
Honey absorbs microplastics through bees that collect pollen in polluted areas. Studies show urban honey has higher plastic contamination than rural honey. Opting for honey from rural sources may help lower exposure.
How to Reduce Microplastic Intake
While it’s nearly impossible to avoid microplastics entirely, making simple food swaps and opting for fresh, organic, and minimally processed foods can help reduce your exposure. Choosing reusable packaging and washing produce thoroughly can also minimize contamination.
By being aware of these hidden plastic sources, we can take small steps toward a healthier diet and environment.