Do you damage your heart by eating foods that arise in plastic packaging? According to a team of Italian researchers, you may very well be. A recent study published in Scientific relationships The statements that microplastics, especially those of food packaging, can damage your heart health. Here is everything you need to know about the shocking study – and some ways recommended by experts to avoid damaging your health.
Dr Joseph Mercola, certified family medicine doctor. Your Cellular Health GuideExplain that researchers examined how tiny plastic particles – in particular polyethylene and polystyrene (standard in plastic containers and food packaging) – affected human vascular muscle cells (VSMC), which help keep your vessels healthy blood.
“Microplastics have caused cellular damage, inflammation and even cell death in these essential cells to support the artery,” said Dr. Mercola. The study also revealed that exposure to microplastics had these cells migrate, which could be a serious problem for your heart and arteries. “Normally, these muscle cells remain in place, helping your blood vessels properly. He adds.
This means that daily exposure to microplastics – whether plastic food packaging, bottled water or even environmental pollution – could silently contribute to heart disease.
The cardiovascular risks explained
The study published in Scientific relationships highlights the potential cardiovascular risks posed by microplastics (MPS), in particular polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS), commonly used in food packaging. The researchers have studied the effects of virgin and degraded microplastics on the environment on human vascular human muscle cells (VSMC), which play a crucial role in the maintenance of healthy blood vessels. Their results have revealed that exposure to MPS has led to significant cellular damage, including reduced cell viability, an increase in apoptosis (cell death) and inflammation. In addition, the study has identified changes in key molecular markers such as RUNX-2 and Galectine-3, which are associated with vascular diseases, atherosclerosis and arterial calcification. In particular, the deputies triggered an abnormal migration of VSMC, a phenomenon linked to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, further strengthening the potential link between plastic exposure and cardiovascular health risks.
Research has also shown that deputies activate the inflammasoma complex, an inflammatory response which can contribute to vascular damage and the progression of the disease. The results of the study align with previous evidence showing that microplastics can accumulate in the human heart and surrounding tissues, potentially exacerbating the risk of heart disease. Given the general presence of deputies in food packaging, bottled water and the environment, researchers highlight the urgent need for a more in -depth study on their long -term health effects. Although more research is necessary, the study highlights the importance of minimizing exposure to plastic products, especially in food storage and packaging, in order to reduce potential cardiovascular risks.
The doctor’s take -out point
His point to take? “This study is an alarm clock. We have long been concerned how microplastics affect digestion, but this research suggests that they could also harm our cardiovascular system,” said Dr. Mercola.
The bad news? You cannot completely eliminate microplastic exposure, by Dr. Mercola. Good? “You can reduce it considerably with a few intelligent choices.
- “At home, exchange plastic food containers and water bottles for glass or stainless steel to limit the plastic particles that are limited in what you eat and drink,” he said.
- “In addition, avoid heating food in plastic, as heat breaks down plastic and increases the release of microplastics,” he suggests.
- “Filter your drinking water because the tap and bottled water can contain microplastics,” keeps Dr. Mercola.
- “Eating whole and unprocessed food prepared for the house will also reduce your exposure considerably, as highly processed foods are generally presented in plastic packaging. This also includes most food to take away,” he notes.
- “Finally, reduce your overall plastic use – such as bringing reusable bags and avoiding plastic -wrapped products – can limit the environmental microplastic load, which finally finds its way in your body,” he said.
“Although more research is necessary, the message is clear: reducing plastic exposure is not only good for the planet – it can also protect your heart,” he concludes.
Leah Groth
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things related to health, well-being and physical form. Find out more about Leah
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