Among the luxuries of contemporary living, ordering takeaway food is one of the most popular. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it saves us from the hassle of cooking after a long day. However, findings from a recent study have raised concerns that could make us think twice about our takeaway habits, especially for those of you over 50 who are more conscious about your health.
What’s even more surprising is that the reason behind this health risk is not what you would have expected.
A new study conducted by Chinese researchers and peer-reviewed for its validity has found a startling link between the use of plastic takeaway containers and an increased risk of congestive heart failure.
The research suggests that the culprit behind this risk is the impact of plastic chemicals on our gut biome, leading to inflammation that can damage the circulatory system.
This two-part study first examined over 3,000 individuals in China, assessing their frequency of eating from plastic containers and any existing heart disease.
The second part of the study involved an experiment with rats. The researchers exposed them to chemicals leached from plastic containers by boiling water and pouring it into the containers to extract the chemicals.
The findings were significant: ‘High-frequency exposure to plastics is significantly associated with an increased risk of congestive heart failure,’ the authors stated.
This is particularly concerning given that plastic can contain up to 20,000 different chemicals, many of which, like Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are known to pose health risks. These chemicals are commonly found in food packaging and have been linked to a range of issues, including cancer and reproductive harm.
While the study didn’t pinpoint which specific chemicals were leaching from the plastic, it did highlight the connection between common plastic compounds and heart disease, as well as a previously established link between gut biome and heart health.
The researchers’ method of putting boiling water in the containers for varying lengths of time was based on the knowledge that plastic chemicals leach at much higher rates when hot contents are placed inside. Shockingly, previous research cited in the study found that microwaving plastic containers could release as many as 4.2 million microplastic particles per square centimetre.
After giving the rats water contaminated with these leachates for several months, the researchers observed significant changes in the gut biome and metabolites in their faeces, particularly those associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Subsequent examination of the rats’ heart muscle tissue revealed damage.
Interestingly, the study found no statistical difference in the changes and damage among rats exposed to water that had been in contact with plastic for one minute versus five or 15 minutes. This suggests that even brief exposure to hot plastic can be harmful.
While the study itself does not offer specific consumer protection recommendations, public health advocates advise against microwaving or adding hot food to plastic containers. They also recommend avoiding cooking in plastic and suggest replacing plastic utensils or packaging with alternatives made of glass, wood, or stainless steel.
For those of us who enjoy the convenience of takeaway, it’s more challenging to avoid plastic. However, we can take steps to mitigate the risks by bringing our glass containers when ordering or transferring food to glass containers once we get home.
At YourLifeChoices, we understand that changing habits can be difficult, but we also know that our health is invaluable. We encourage our readers to consider these findings and take proactive steps to protect their heart health.
Have you experienced any health issues that you think could be related to plastic use? Do you have tips for avoiding plastic in your daily life? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your insights could help others make healthier choices.
Also read: Microplastics found in brain tissue: What new research reveals
I would like more information about this finding. For example does the type of plastic used affect the outcome? Some plastics are labelled as safe for food storage and microwaving while some are labelled as not suitable.