A study by Taipei Medical University revealed that plasticizer concentrations accumulating in the bodies of Taiwanese citizens are at an alarming level, 2 to 7 times higher than those in Europe and My, according to Mirror Daily News on 28/4. This finding surprised the public but is not uncommon in the clinical practice of family doctor Chen Hsin-mei.

She observed that many patients who did not work in factory environments or have direct contact with chemicals still showed very high levels of plasticizers in their test results. The primary cause lies in daily eating habits, which unintentionally lead to the body absorbing a significant amount of plastic without awareness.

Doctor Chen stated that plasticizers most easily enter the human body through food contact due to three common mistakes.

The first is the habit of using plastic bags to hold hot food like soy milk, noodles, or stews, as high temperatures quickly stimulate the release of harmful substances. The second mistake stems from using plastic containers or paper bowls with an internal plastic lining for hot food when purchasing takeout or delivery.

Prolonged contact with hot food increases the risk of plasticizer leaching into the food. Finally, there is the habit of directly covering food with plastic wrap when heating it in the microwave. These seemingly convenient actions are actually a source of silent, cumulative exposure over time.

Anh minh hoa: Greenpeace.

Many mistakenly believe that toxic substance levels only exceed limits when consuming excessively fatty foods or working in industrial environments. However, Doctor Chen warns that over 50% of the plasticizers absorbed by ordinary people come from the very packaging materials and food containers used daily.

To reduce the burden on the body, in addition to limiting plastic's exposure to high temperatures, we can support the body's metabolic processes through nutrition. According to the doctor, cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli sprouts, are a key factor in supporting this process. Broccoli sprouts contain high levels of sulforaphane, an active compound proven to activate the Nrf2 detoxification mechanism, helping enzymes more effectively metabolize endocrine disruptors and pollutants. Simply put, this food helps the body's natural "cleansing system" operate more robustly.

She noted that it is not necessary to consume a large quantity to achieve effectiveness, as even a small portion of broccoli sprouts contains significantly higher levels of active compounds compared to typical mature cauliflower. Doctor Chen stated that while plasticizers are almost unavoidable in modern life, the important thing is not to panic but to proactively minimize daily accumulation and support the body in eliminating them through diet to maintain sustained health.

Binh Minh (According to Mirror Daily News)