To reduce the harmful effects of microplastics, eat fruits and vegetables

A new study suggests that consuming more fruits and vegetables rich in natural antioxidants could help reduce the harmful effects of microplastics on the body, according to News Max Health.

Eating lots of fruits, nuts and vegetables is a good way to protect your body - Photo: FREEPIK

Researchers from the Finnish-Chinese Food and Health Network have published their findings on how anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid with antioxidant properties, can counteract oxidative stress caused by microplastic particles.

The link between eating fruit and microplastics

Anthocyanins are pigments that give many fruits and vegetables their red, purple, and blue colors. They are found in foods such as blueberries, raspberries, and eggplant. These compounds have been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells from damage and supporting overall health.

According to The Guardian , anthocyanins can protect the body against many negative effects caused by microplastics, including reduced testosterone and estrogen levels, reduced sperm count and quality, erectile dysfunction and ovarian damage.

Microplastics are everywhere. These particles are so small that they can pass through water filtration systems and end up in oceans and other water sources, becoming a common form of environmental pollution.

Promising discovery

In the study, scientists found that male mice exposed to microplastics but treated with anthocyanins had an increase in sperm count and motility.

In female mice, anthocyanins help protect hormone receptors from chemical damage, while also keeping estrogen and other hormone levels in balance.

Although more human studies are needed, scientists say the findings are promising in the quest to find ways to combat the effects of microplastics.

In the meantime, eating plenty of fruits, nuts, and vegetables is a good way to protect your body from the damage caused by microplastics.

Microplastics can contain up to 16,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic, including BPA, phthalates and PFAS — also known as “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment for a long time.

Microplastics also have the ability to absorb toxic chemicals from the surrounding environment, then enter the human body through the digestive tract, causing many health problems.

Some studies have shown that microplastics can disrupt hormone function in humans, leading to reproductive health problems such as reduced fertility, impaired sperm quality, and hormonal imbalance.

In the reproductive system, microplastics have been detected in the testicles and semen of men. In women, they appear in the placenta, breast milk and even fetuses.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/muon-giam-tac-hai-cua-vi-nhua-hay-an-trai-cay-va-rau-cu-20250227203121628.htm