There’s nothing appetising about plastic, yet most of us consume it daily. “Once ingested, microplastics can enter the digestive system and disrupt gut health by triggering inflammation, damaging the intestinal lining, or interfering with nutrient absorption,” says Ying Chen, PhD, a research assistant professor at Tufts University School of Engineering in Medford, Massachusetts.
Microplastics enter the food chain through several pathways, according to the World Economic Forum. Some types, such as microbeads used in face washes, are intentionally added to products during the manufacturing process. Others are shed from larger plastic items, such as car tyres, fishing gear, and single-use food and drink containers. These small pieces of plastic can infiltrate water, soil, and air, or seep into food and beverages directly during manufacturing, storage, or cooking.
Although it’s impossible…