A recent study has uncovered a connection between consuming food from plastic takeout containers and an increased risk of heart disease. This research adds to a growing body of evidence indicating that chemicals in plastics could have adverse effects on your health. Experts suggest minimizing the use of plastic takeout containers to safeguard your well-being.
If you don’t prepare all your meals at home, chances are you will eat from a plastic takeout container at some point. However, a new study suggests that the chemicals leaching from these containers could heighten the likelihood of developing heart disease. The study contributes to mounting research showing that microplastics and chemical components of plastic might impact heart health.
Meet the specialists involved in this study: Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, a consultative cardiologist and the medical director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, a toxicologist at MedStar Health; and Dr. Jamie Alan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University.
While medical professionals advise against panicking over these findings, they emphasize the importance of acknowledging the results and potentially altering your takeout habits or the containers you use. Here’s what you should take away from this information.
What were the study’s key findings?
The study, published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, comprised two components. In one part, researchers surveyed over 3,000 individuals about their plastic exposure and heart disease status. The results revealed that individuals frequently exposed to plastics, including those who consumed food from plastic takeout containers, had an elevated risk of developing congestive heart failure—a chronic condition where the heart struggles to pump enough blood to meet bodily needs. In fact, those with higher plastic takeout container exposure were 13% more likely to develop heart failure.
The second part of the study focused on rats. Researchers poured boiling water into plastic takeout containers and exposed rats to the water that had been in contact with plastic chemicals for different durations—1, 5, and 15 minutes. Over three months of exposure, the rats displayed changes in their gut biome and experienced significant damage to their heart tissue. This damage occurred irrespective of the duration for which the rats ingested the water. Consequently, the researchers concluded that even brief exposure to plastic poses a notable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Why do plastic takeout containers pose heart disease risks?
While the researchers did not pinpoint the exact reason behind this phenomenon, they identified several potential explanations. One theory suggests that the chemicals leaching from plastic containers into food could disrupt the gut microbiota, the collection of bacteria residing in your gut. Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar explains that this disruption may lead to inflammation and subsequent heart damage.
Moreover, the researchers propose that exposure to plastic chemicals may directly harm the heart muscle, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress—an imbalance
The team of researchers conveyed their findings, highlighting the direct correlation between certain plastic chemicals and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, compounds such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates (PAEs), and plasticizers were identified as culprits in elevating this risk. However, an indirect association was also noted, as explained by Jamie Alan, Ph.D., an associate professor specializing in pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University. Dr. Alan pointed out that individuals who frequently consume takeout meals tend to ingest higher quantities of sodium and fat, potentially heightening their susceptibility to heart-related issues.
Amidst concerns raised by these findings, it is important to approach the information with a balanced perspective. While the study established a connection between the use of plastic takeout containers and cardiovascular ailments, it does not conclusively prove that such products directly cause congestive heart failure, underscored Kelly Johnson-Arbor, M.D., a toxicologist associated with MedStar Health. Nevertheless, a mounting body of evidence suggests a correlation between the chemicals present in plastic and adverse health outcomes.
Dr. Johnson-Arbor further highlighted the risks associated with the reheating of takeout food in plastic containers, emphasizing that the process may inadvertently introduce plastic byproducts into the meal. However, she cautioned against attributing heart complications solely to microplastic exposure, noting that heart disease is influenced by multiple factors. Genetics, dietary habits, exercise routines, and environmental variables like air quality all play significant roles in cardiovascular health.
While acknowledging the importance of minimizing plastic container usage, Dr. Tadwalkar emphasized a holistic approach to heart health that encompasses regular physical activity, a well-balanced diet, and routine medical checkups. Despite the study’s findings indicating potential adverse effects of even minor exposure to plastic takeout containers, Dr. Tadwalkar reassured that occasional use is unlikely to pose significant health risks, particularly for individuals who maintain an active lifestyle and follow heart-friendly dietary patterns.
To mitigate the risk of plastic exposure from food, Dr. Johnson-Arbor recommended transferring takeout meals from their original plastic packaging to non-plastic dishware before reheating or consuming them. This simple precaution can help reduce the likelihood of inadvertent ingestion of plastic byproducts and contribute to overall well-being.
