Takeout Found Quietly Raising Heart Disease Risk
If you’re ordering takeout or pickup frequently, take note: New research has uncovered a concerning link between your food delivery habit and an increased risk of heart failure.
A study published in December 2024 in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety reveals that the issue isn’t necessarily the food itself, but the plastic packaging it comes in. The study found that regularly consuming food from plastic takeout containers is associated with a higher risk of congestive heart failure. The problem lies in chemicals that leach from plastic packaging into the food, which may disrupt gut bacteria and lead to long-term cardiovascular damage.
The researchers first analyzed the eating habits of over 3,000 people in China, discovering that those who often ate from plastic containers had a significantly higher risk of heart failure. They then conducted experiments on rats, exposing them to water contaminated with chemicals from plastic after it had been heated in disposable containers. The results showed that the rats’ gut bacteria were disrupted, leading to increased inflammation and oxidative stress—two key contributors to heart damage.
The chemicals in plastics, like DEHP and BPA, were found to affect the endocrine system and promote conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and heart attacks. The researchers noted that long-term exposure to these substances could cause oxidative stress, which has been linked to cardiovascular diseases. They referenced previous studies that have shown plastics, especially BPA, can have harmful effects on human health, including hormone disruption and an increased risk of cancer.
Although the study did not provide specific recommendations, health experts have long advised reducing plastic exposure. This can be achieved by cooking more at home and using alternative materials like glass, wood, or stainless steel for food storage and cooking. Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, as this can release microplastics into the food. As this research suggests, it’s important to be mindful of both how your food is packaged and how it’s heated to protect your health in the long run.
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