Rethinking Salt: The Hidden Dangers of Microplastics
What do you picture when I say Salt? It is just a seasoning, right — made up almost entirely of sodium chloride? But recent research has shown a chilling truth that contradicts our understanding. Indeed: An extensive global survey determined that sea salt is contaminated with tiny bits of microplastics in an alarmingly high 90% of samples collected worldwide.
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are small plastic particles (<5mm in size) that come from many places including the degradation of bigger plastics litter, fibres which shed off clothing, or within personal care products. These tiny particles are everywhere — in the oceans, rivers and soil; now good news suggests they've made their way into our food chain.
The Study’s Findings
Researchers conducted this revealing study on several brands of sea salt and identified microplastics in not just mere quantities but shockingly high levels as well. The implications of these results are significant, since the ingestion of microplastics can result in health risks. Further research is required to understand the full impact of these particles on long term but first studies showed an issue that as a person inhales it, over time any parts of those inhaled particles might stay in human tissue and contribute various health problems.
Dangers and precautions
Though there may not be any immediate effects from ingesting microplastics, the long-term signs of consuming this type of nutrition are worrying. These plastic particles can contain harmful chemicals and pollutants which are a serious risk to our health. Worse are that, as they build up in the body, collagen could interfere with metabolic processes of digestion and other functions; encourage inflammation; and even disrupt hormonal balance.
A Silver Lining: How to Reduce Microplastics
However, you will be glad to hear that there are actions which can reduce exposure of microplastics. Here are some of the sane strategies possible:
- Opt for High-Quality Salt: Aim to buy brands and types of salt which are the least processed, like Himalayan or sea salts. Brands such as those will actually test for harmful contaminants in their products, things like microplastics.
- Consider alternative salts: Instead of sea salt, try using Himalayan pink or kosher Salts as other methods might not contain microplastics in their contents.
- Note about Shipping Materials: Buy salt in either glass or paper containers — avoid packaging like plastic bags, which contain microplastics that can seep into food.
- Cut Back on Plastic: You can cut back on using plastic chemicals and ultimately help prevent microplastic exposure by reducing your use of plastics overall.
- Do Your Homework: Stay informed of related research and news on microplastics in foods. Information gives you the ability to make informed decisions surrounding your diet.
Conclusion
Maybe we need to reevaluate our perception of salt and how it impacts health. The more we hear about microplastics in our food, the more important it is for us to protect ourselves from them. If we are more conscious about sodium intake, and cut back on that use of plastics in manufacture goods then it is possible to lessen the micro plastic cancer risk from our diet. One grain of salt at a time, let us keep fighting the good fight for our health and our environment.