Coffee has become an indispensable “spiritual savior” for many, especially office workers. A study in Taiwan revealed that an astounding 40% of the population consumes more than one cup of coffee daily, totaling a whopping 2.85 billion cups annually. However, geneticist Dr. Zhang Jia-ming issued a warning that enjoying a daily cup of coffee may not only provide a boost of alertness but also potentially expose us to invisible plastic particles from paper cups.
According to Dr. Zhang, “the paper coffee cup is indeed a trap that many are unaware of.” He explained that the innermost layer of the paper cup is coated with polyethylene (PE) to prevent liquid leakage. Yet, when exposed to high temperatures, oily, acidic, or alcoholic beverages, this plastic film releases microplastics, which then infiltrate our blood and internal organs, adversely affecting cellular function.
A study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials in 2022 indicated that the microplastic concentration in water could reach 723 to 1,489 particles after just 5 minutes of contact with the cup, with the number increasing over prolonged storage durations. The detected microplastics were predominantly smaller than 50 micrometers in size. Agitation of the cup during transportation or consumption also contributes to this emission. Notably, the cup releases more microplastics when containing hot beverages compared to cold ones. It is estimated that an individual may unintentionally ingest 37,613 to 89,294 microplastic particles annually if they use a disposable cup every 4-5 days.
It is estimated that an individual may unintentionally ingest 37,613 to 89,294 microplastic particles annually if they use a disposable cup every 4-5 days
Dr. Zhang Jia-ming shared an analogy, likening human cells to harmonious factories that perform energy conversion, waste removal, and the production of various proteins daily. However, when microplastics invade these cells, they act like a landfill filled with plastic bags, clogging the cells, reducing their operational efficiency, inducing inflammation, and causing genetic dysfunction, ultimately leading to impaired cellular health. Over time, this can negatively impact the immune system, resulting in chronic inflammation and increased disease susceptibility.
He also emphasized that these plastic particles not only accumulate within cells but are capable of releasing chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system. As a result, cells may receive erroneous messages, leading to severe consequences:
- Thyroid dysfunction can disrupt cellular energy balance, slow down metabolism, and make individuals prone to fatigue and weight gain.
- Disruption of sex hormones can impact reproductive cells and impair fertility.
- Impaired insulin response can hinder cells’ ability to effectively manage blood sugar levels, elevating the risk of diabetes.
Cells in the intestines function like a subway station, absorbing nutrients and expelling waste. However, when plastic particles accumulate in intestinal cells, the nutrient conduits become clogged.
Accumulation of plastic particles in intestinal cells can clog the conduits responsible for nutrient absorption.
- This disruption causes an imbalance in gut bacteria, leading to an overabundance of harmful bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria, resulting in digestive issues.
- Intestinal inflammation may trigger leaky gut syndrome, allowing partially digested substances and toxins to enter the bloodstream.
- Reduced digestive efficiency and absorption can result in malnutrition or increase the risk of colorectal cancer in the future.
Dr. Zhang Jia-ming asserted that plastic particles act like an invisible “plastic film” accumulating in the intestines, hindering digestive functions and negatively impacting health, including our immune system.
He elaborated that the liver and kidneys play a crucial role in detoxifying the body. However, when microplastics enter the circulatory system, these vital organs are burdened with an unmanageable volume of waste. These plastic particles not only fail to decompose but also interfere with cellular metabolism.
- Hepatic inflammation weakens the body’s detoxification capabilities.
- Reduced kidney function and long-term accumulation can adversely affect uremia excretion.
- Increased oxidation accelerates cell aging and impacts overall bodily functions.
Dr. Zhang used an illustrative analogy, likening this situation to a garbage bin filled with non-biodegradable plastic bags, becoming increasingly congested and incapable of effective cleaning. He emphasized that while drinking coffee from a paper cup may not immediately cause illness, the repeated daily habit leads to the accumulation of plastic particles in the body. These particles debilitate cells and impair their functions, resulting in long-term waste buildup. This not only affects cellular functions but also impacts the endocrine, digestive, and hepatic detoxification systems.
Although plastic is pervasive, we can start by refraining from using disposable paper cups and opting for healthier alternatives to minimize the impact of microplastics, allowing our cells to function more efficiently without the burden of plastic pollution.
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