| |  | | | | Good plastics, bad plastics, and your health | | A major study published last month found that chemicals in plastic products may be linked to over 350,000 deaths worldwide in 2018. These deaths were from heart disease in people ages 55 to 64, and the phthalate chemicals involved may have played a role in up to 13% of all heart disease deaths in this age group since then. | | Scientists also found plastic particles in the plaque that clogs arteries, and another recent study showed that in just 8 years, the amount of microplastics in human brains increased by 50%. | | How do these plastics even get into your body? The atmosphere, rainwater, and soil are all sources of exposure, but when food touches plastic, especially when heated, chemicals leak into your food. Then they enter your bloodstream when you eat. | | Which plastics are safest? | | Not all plastics are as hazardous as those containing phthalates. There's a reliable way to tell what you're dealing with, because the numbers on your plastic containers have a hidden meaning. | - Numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5: These plastics are generally safer for food.
- Numbers 3, 6, and 7: These plastics pose a higher risk, and you should try to avoid using them with food.
| | Number 3 plastics (PVC) contain chemicals like phthalates, which are linked to heart and hormone problems, as well as cancer. Number 6 (polystyrene) releases substances that can harm multiple body systems. Number 7 often contains BPA, which can disrupt hormones. | | 5 easy ways to reduce your risk | | You can't avoid all plastic exposure, but there are habits you can change, including: | | 🚰 Switch your water source: Drinking filtered tap water instead of bottled water can cut your microplastic intake from 90,000 particles per year to just 4,000. For extra protection, boil water and pour it through a coffee filter. | | 🥡 Use glass or metal containers: Replace plastic food containers with glass, ceramic, or stainless steel, especially for hot foods and leftovers. (Remember not to put metal in the microwave!) | | 🫖 Check your tea bags: Many tea bags contain plastic that releases billions of particles into your cup. Choose paper tea bags or loose tea with a metal strainer. | | 🍳 Replace plastic kitchen tools: Swap plastic utensils, cutting boards, and cooking tools for wood, metal, or silicone alternatives. | | 🧴 Reduce your use of beauty and personal care products: A big ask, but it helps limit exposure to harmful chemicals and minimize plastic pollution. Steer clear of products containing microbeads, which are still permitted in non-rinse-off cosmetics despite partial bans. | | Your body can recover when given a break from constant plastic exposure, so starting these changes today can make a difference. Below, learn more about how to identify plastics in your home. | | | | | | | | | | Multiflavor multifunctionality | | | | Sponsored by | |  | | | | | |  | | R&R CBD Full Spectrum Multifunctional CBD Gummies | | Looking for pain relief, better sleep, or improved stress management? The R&R CBD Full Spectrum Multifunctional CBD Gummies can help! Each pack includes 30 gummies in peach, apple, and strawberry flavors and comes in 30 mg, 60 mg, or 90 mg potencies. These gummies are third-party tested, fast-acting, and made with organic ingredients. Whether you want to feel confident in a room of strangers or avoid waking up exhausted, these gummies can help support you in the process. | | | Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | How did you feel about this newsletter? | | | | Email wellnesswire@healthline.com with comments related to this newsletter or topics you'd like to see in future editions. The newsletter editors read every message that lands in our inbox — yes, really! We look forward to hearing from you. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Until next time, |  | Take care of yourself, and we'll see
you again soon! | | |  | | |  | | This edition was powered by | | seeing everything in bloom. | | | | | | | | View in browser
Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here.
To see all newsletters, click here.
Privacy | Unsubscribe
We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy.
Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health.
© 2025 RVO Health
1101 Red Ventures Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | | |   | | |
| |
