Microplastics are infiltrating our bloodstreams sneakily, accumulating in various body parts and disrupting many body functions, which could lead to long-term complications. Microplastics are also known to disrupt the endocrine system responsible for various bodily functions like metabolism, growth, development, reproduction, and stress response. The good news is that adding certain kinds of foods to the daily diet can combat the negative effects of microplastics in the body.

We are eating a surprising amount of plastic every day without realizing it. A recent study done by University of Newcastle researchers suggests our weekly microplastic intake could be as much as 5gm which is equivalent to the weight of a credit card. This means, in a year we are accumulating 250gm of microplastics in our bodies.

These tiny particles of plastics, sometimes thinner than a strand of hair, leach into various everyday sources from personal care products, dust in the air, water we drink and the foods we eat. Inside our bodies, they may cause inflammation, leading to potential immune disruption, higher blood pressure, tissue damage and a range of health issues.

A new study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis has discovered that eating colorful fruits and vegetables can help mitigate the harmful effects of microplastics in the body.

How a daily diet of fruits and veggies could guard against microplastics
Anthocyanins are plant compounds found in nuts, fruits and vegetables. The new study discovered its protective effect against a range of plastic-induced effects on hormones, reductions in testosterone and estrogen, decreased sperm counts, lower sperm quality, erectile dysfunction and ovarian damage.

Researchers involved in the study found that these compounds can control the reproductive toxicity induced by microplastics.

Microplastics can cross the placental and brain barriers and can cause inflammation in the body leading to increased risk of heart attack and cancer. In men, microplastics are found to be accumulated in testicles and semen, while in case of women they have been discovered in ovarian tissue, placentas, breast milk and fetuses. Eating these antioxidants can help combat these problems.

Anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, and reduce oxidative stress that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA.

Their powerful antioxidant properties can help control inflammation and conditions like heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.

The study also suggests that microplastics can reduce testosterone levels and this is another area anthocyanins can help by restoring testosterone production by protecting Leydig cells, responsible for the hormone’s production.

Anthocyanin-rich fruits and vegetables to eat

Fruits and vegetables with red, purple, blue or black hues are known to be abundant in anthocyanins. Berries, particularly black elderberries and aronia berries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries are also great sources of anthocyanin.

Black plums, blood oranges, cherries, black and red grapes and pomegranates should also be added to the diet to get anthocyanin.

Vegetables with anthocyanin include red cabbage, red onions, red radishes, purple cauliflower, purple corn and the skin of purple eggplant.

Black beans, black rice and black soybeans may also be added to get this antioxidant rich compound.

(Pictures courtesy: iStock)