A recent study conducted by researchers at Ningxia Medical University in China has found evidence that heated plastic containers may be leaching toxic chemicals into takeaway food, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In experiments on rats, the researchers discovered that exposure to these chemicals caused changes to the body, including altered gut bacteria, inflammation, and damage to heart tissue.
The study was prompted by a survey of 3,179 older adults in China, which found a link between higher exposure to plastic and an increased risk of congestive heart failure. The researchers then conducted experiments on rats, feeding them water that had been exposed to the chemicals leached from plastic containers when heated by boiling tap water.
The results showed that the rats developed altered intestinal microenvironments, including changes to their gut microbiomes and inflammatory immune messengers, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. These findings suggest that heated plastic containers may not be a safe vehicle for food.
The study’s authors argue that it is essential to avoid using plastic containers for high-temperature food. Microplastics have already been found accumulating in blood clots within the human brain, heart, and legs, and other research has shown that microwaving plastic food containers can release microplastics into meals, even if they are claimed to be microwave-safe.
The potential health effects of plastic pollution are only just beginning to emerge, but the mounting evidence is concerning. As consumers, we may want to consider the heat of the food and the material of the packaging when ordering takeaway, as it could have serious implications for our health.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/your-takeaway-food-packaging-could-increase-your-risk-of-heart-failure