- 7 months ago
Microplastics in food and water, chemicals in canned goods, pesticides on fruits and vegetables — what do these substances do to our bodies? In Good Shape uncovers the hidden health risks.
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00:00Don't you just love a nice cup of tea?
00:09Green, black, or herbal, the hot beverage is considered a health elixir, but it depends
00:14on how you make it, because just one tea bag can release masses of tiny plastic particles.
00:23And even when you're getting ready for the day, or preparing your lunch, invisible plastic
00:28particles and chemicals are getting into your body, and they can make you sick.
00:34Find out how you can protect yourself, now on In Good Shape.
00:54Invisible to the naked eye, there are microplastics lurking in here, and all around us.
01:00The extent of the threat they pose is still not entirely clear, but scientists have been
01:05making some grave discoveries.
01:10Microplastics trigger inflammatory reactions and likely affect a significant number of
01:14our body's cells.
01:15Karsten Korter and his team have been researching how microplastics affect human cells.
01:22And there's mounting evidence that microplastics are linked to various inflammatory diseases,
01:28like atherosclerosis and obesity.
01:31The team started by exposing immune cells and intestinal wall cells to the tiny plastic particles.
01:43They also looked at how different amounts of plastic affect the cells.
01:50And the results were clear.
01:52The more microplastics, the stronger the inflammation.
02:00The microplastics problem has been around a while, but it's only now becoming evident.
02:05Images show how the plastic particles attach directly to cell walls.
02:10This likely triggers immune responses that worsen inflammation.
02:14But the particles don't just remain outside the cells.
02:20Cells actually absorb microplastic particles, treating them as though they were organic material.
02:26But how do microplastics even get into the body?
02:32There are countless ways.
02:34Plastic has spread everywhere, into soil, water, air and the ground beneath our feet.
02:42Over time, plastic waste breaks down into microplastics and scatters.
02:48These particles are also found in detergents, cosmetics and toothpaste.
02:55They break away from plastic bottles and food packaging.
02:59Fine particles from tyres also end up in the air, soil and water.
03:05On average, we ingest about 5 grams of microplastics each week, roughly the weight of a credit card.
03:12To help us understand what this alarming information means for the human body, researchers conducted
03:18experiments on lab mice.
03:20We gave the mice microplastic particles and found that they accumulated in the liver, for example.
03:31We also detected them in smaller concentrations in fat tissue and even in the heart.
03:39We saw an increase in inflammatory markers.
03:43And the same thing happens in our cells.
03:48The experiments also showed that if there's already inflammation, for example in the gut
03:53or liver, microplastics appear to make it worse.
04:00Researchers all over the world are investigating the links between microplastics and health issues.
04:06But the connections are becoming increasingly apparent.
04:12Microplastics found in testicles have been linked to a decline in fertility.
04:17Deposits in the carotid artery increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
04:25Microplastics also seem to irritate and alter the gut microbiota.
04:31Particles up to 5 millimetres class as microplastics.
04:34The relatively larger particles usually pass through the gut unimpeded and are excreted.
04:41Nanoplastic particles are around 80 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair, even smaller
04:46than an immune cell.
04:48These tiny particles can easily enter the bloodstream and even cross cell membranes.
04:53And there's another issue.
04:56Plastic particles rarely come alone.
04:59They often carry other harmful substances with them.
05:07Microplastics serve as vehicles for other substances.
05:10Environmental toxins, nitrogen oxides, all kinds of toxins and bacterial products, which
05:16enter our bodies along with them.
05:22Despite this, very little is being done to address the problem.
05:26According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, 3.2 million tonnes of microplastics
05:32enter the environment each year.
05:35The particles continue to flow unchecked into waterways with unpredictable consequences.
05:40I believe the burden will only grow in the coming decades as more plastic is produced.
05:49And that will also increase the risk of microplastics triggering inflammatory reactions in our bodies.
05:59The long-term impact of microplastics on human health is not yet fully understood, but scientists
06:05are sounding the alarm.
06:08A Chinese study with mice showed that microplastics can even make their way into the brain.
06:14The affected animals had poorer memory, motor impairments, and even showed signs of depression.
06:20But whether the same applies to humans is still unclear.
06:25Plastics come with even more dangers.
06:27They contain softening agents and other chemicals that can be released, especially when they're
06:32heated up.
06:36These are a familiar sight.
06:38Black plastic utensils are a lot of people's go-to for the kitchen because they're often
06:42the most affordable option.
06:44But there's a problem.
06:49Utensils made from black plastic can actually be harmful to our health.
06:53A study from the University of Amsterdam showed that they contain toxic substances.
06:59But what exactly are they?
07:02We asked chemist Kerstin Effers.
07:05The researchers bought items made from black plastics in the US, including kitchen utensils,
07:16and tested them in the lab.
07:18They actually found harmful flame retardants, and they suspect these came from recycling.
07:27They tested a total of 200 products made of black plastic, bought from online retailers
07:32and stores in the US.
07:35Seven out of ten products tested contain the toxic flame retardant deca-bromodi phenyl ether,
07:41or DECA-BDE for short.
07:44Most consumers don't know about the health risks.
07:47In some countries, recycled plastic can't be used for material that comes into contact
07:52with food.
07:53But that doesn't totally protect people.
07:56We have global markets now, and people buy from platforms like Alibaba, Wish, and
08:02Timu.
08:03So what should you do?
08:07We asked German TV chef Tobias Stegmann.
08:10Black plastic utensils have no place in his kitchen.
08:14But what does he use instead?
08:17I mainly use stainless steel utensils.
08:23I just feel like they're the most hygienic and reliable.
08:28The issue with plastic is that when it's exposed to high temperatures and grease, it starts
08:33to break down and can end up in the food.
08:37One particularly toxic substance is melamine resin.
08:41This plastic isn't stable at all.
08:48From about 70 degrees Celsius, it starts to break down into its building blocks.
08:53One of them is formaldehyde, which is classified as carcinogenic when inhaled.
08:58The other is melamine, which can damage your kidneys.
09:01That's why consumer advocates recommend avoiding any kind of plastic when it comes to hot food.
09:08Chef Tobias Stegmann has another alternative.
09:16Besides stainless steel, I also love kitchen tools made from hardwood.
09:20They're especially great for non-stick pans because they don't scratch them.
09:26Wood is also the better choice for cutting boards.
09:30Plastic can break off while cutting and get into the food.
09:36With wooden utensils, it's important to clean them properly.
09:39Use hot water and dish soap and let them air dry.
09:43And for people who just prefer plastic, go for trusted brands.
09:48Even then, you can never be totally sure what's in them.
09:50So it's better to be safe.
09:53I'd really recommend wooden or stainless steel utensils.
09:59They're not expensive and they're naturally heat-resistant, robust and durable.
10:03So in the kitchen, it may be best to avoid plastic altogether.
10:09It's good for the environment and your health.
10:15So what can you do in your kitchen to reduce microplastics and toxins?
10:20Get rid of synthetic sponges and microfiber cloths.
10:25Ditch the heavy-duty chemical cleaners for stoves and ovens.
10:30Store food in glass or porcelain containers instead of plastic tubs or wrap, especially when
10:36it's hot.
10:38Avoid drinks that come in plastic bottles and opt for glass instead.
10:44And whenever possible, buy unpackaged produce.
10:48Most processed foods come in plastic packaging or in metal cans, which may not be much better.
10:55Lunchtime at the Mazas household.
10:59Today, Tawana is whipping up a quick meal of spaghetti.
11:05The tomatoes for the sauce are from a can.
11:09Tawana and her father Mustafa love to cook fresh meals.
11:12But sometimes, canned goods are just more convenient.
11:19We only keep three types of canned goods at home.
11:22Tuna, corn and chopped tomatoes.
11:25You can only really get corn in a can.
11:27Chopped tomatoes also come in tetra packs, but we usually just buy whatever's on sale and stock up.
11:33You can also buy a little bit of food.
11:35Good food is important to the Mazas family.
11:38In fact, Tawana and Mustafa have even appeared on cooking shows.
11:42But do they know what Bisphenol A is?
11:44Do you know that?
11:46No, no clue.
11:47Didn't think so.
11:51This is where it's found, in the lining of the cans.
11:54And it doesn't necessarily stay there.
11:56Bisphenol A can seep into the food inside.
11:59We tested 58 canned foods for Bisphenol A and we found it in 51 of them.
12:09We detected especially high levels in soups and stews, but also in some coconut milk and tuna.
12:17So what does that mean?
12:18Is it dangerous?
12:20Bisphenol A is an industrial chemical that's been widely used for decades.
12:27It's used to produce polycarbonate plastics and the coatings for canned goods.
12:31The European Chemicals Agency has classified it as a substance of very high concern because
12:37it can harm fertility and act similar to a hormone.
12:43Bisphenols aren't just linked to fertility issues.
12:45They're also suspected of contributing to obesity, causing neurological damage in children
12:51and increasing cancer risk.
12:53Exactly how much Bisphenol A it takes to cause harm isn't clear.
12:58The European Food Safety Authority has introduced strict limits.
13:03For example, a 60-kilo man would hit his daily maximum with just one teaspoon of the most heavily
13:08contaminated coconut milk.
13:12Unfortunately, manufacturers don't disclose much, so it's unclear where
13:17and how much Bisphenol A is used in the production of cans.
13:23Does the Bisphenol A found in these tests really come from the can linings?
13:28According to Germany's Federal Environment Agency, yes. Experts say the evidence is clear.
13:33We've repeatedly found Bisphenol A in foods from canned goods.
13:39It leaches out of the epoxy resin coatings used inside the cans.
13:44There's strong scientific evidence that the Bisphenol A in food comes from these linings.
13:50There are solutions, like cans without Bisphenol A. In some countries,
13:55it's already banned in materials that come into contact with food.
13:58The Mazas family plans to be more careful with canned goods in the future.
14:07After reading up on all this, I'll definitely make an effort to buy even fewer canned products.
14:14For these home cooks, glass jars, tetra packs and frozen foods are the way forward.
14:21As tempting as those ready meals in plastic boxes or cans may be,
14:26cooking from scratch is the best way to avoid harmful substances.
14:32But even fresh produce isn't always risk-free.
14:37Farmers spray massive amounts of pesticides onto their crops to kill insects that could ruin the harvest.
14:44In us humans, though, these pesticides can trigger asthma, allergies and hormonal imbalances.
14:49In children, they've even been linked to leukemia, and in adults, to Parkinson's disease.
15:00Even though it's not easy, Uli Elixmann has to do these exercises regularly to manage his muscle stiffness.
15:06He does big movements with lots of twists and stretching of the arms and legs.
15:11His occupational therapist joins in and corrects him when needed.
15:25Parkinson's patients have a lack of dopamine in the brain that gradually limits their movements.
15:30Frank Rosenthal has seen first-hand how the disease progresses.
15:34They get stiffer, more hunched. Their steps and movements get smaller.
15:43And that's the problem. In the end, they end up just lying in bed, unable to move at all.
15:47So how do people develop Parkinson's? In Uli Elixmann's case, the trigger may well have
15:58been his years of work with pesticides, without any protective gear or face mask. He had no idea
16:04how dangerous that was. You'd be wearing the back sprayer and the hose would leak.
16:12The seal would break. The nozzle wouldn't work, so you'd have to blow into it to get it going.
16:19There was no real education about it.
16:25Now we know that some pesticides are toxic nerve agents.
16:29They enter the body through the skin and lungs.
16:33There are many international studies linking pesticides to Parkinson's.
16:37In fact, it's even recognised as an occupational disease in Germany.
16:45Doctors like Daniela Berg think that's the right call.
16:52It's not just important for people who are affected to be informed and protect themselves.
16:59We're also becoming more aware of how much we need to care about our environment and what we're
17:04doing to it. It's not just about having a healthy environment. It's also about how
17:12that environment impacts our health. Parkinson's is a serious progressive disease. Over the years,
17:21nerve cells in the brain die off, especially the ones that produce the hormone and neurotransmitter
17:27dopamine. This causes the communication between the brain and muscles to break down.
17:34Shaking and movement problems start to affect the whole body.
17:44Neurologists Daniela Berg and Aoife Scheffer explain there are different types of Parkinson's
17:49and they affect people in different ways. There are also many triggers and risk factors.
17:54These include things like genetics, age, a poor diet that promotes inflammation, lack of exercise and,
18:05of course, environmental toxins like pesticides. While pesticides have been linked to Parkinson's,
18:12the exact cause often remains unknown and the disease is becoming more prevalent.
18:17Worldwide, the number of Parkinson's patients has almost doubled in recent years, from 6.1 million to 11.8 million,
18:28which can't just be explained by an aging population.
18:31Scientists believe pesticides slowly destroy the mitochondria, the power plants of the cells in the brain.
18:45They also seem to affect the body through the gut.
18:48There's currently a theory that, at least for some people, though we don't know if it applies to everyone,
18:58the gut microbiome changes first. We call it dysbiosis. This change leads to an inflammatory process in the gut.
19:06The gut lining becomes more porous, letting toxins leak into the bloodstream. There's also a direct
19:16connection between the gut and the brain through the vagus nerve. A misfolded protein called alpha-synuclein
19:22is found in almost all Parkinson's patients and it might even travel to the brain this way.
19:31Right now, there's only treatment to ease the symptoms of Parkinson's.
19:35The medication Uli Elixmann takes throughout the day is to boost his dopamine levels,
19:40to help with the stiffness and tremors. This summer, he visited neurologist Tobias Warnecker
19:47for a complex treatment. His medication was adjusted and he's been feeling much better since.
19:54Before, every step on the stairs was torture. But after just four or five days,
20:01I could walk up the stairs again easily, get dressed and put on my socks.
20:10Exercise helps too. Cycling is great in many ways for Uli Elixmann and it helps to slow the progression
20:17of the disease. He hopes that toxic pesticides will soon be banned worldwide
20:22to prevent more people from developing Parkinson's.
20:29Agricultural workers are especially at risk from toxic pesticides.
20:34But what about consumers? Some of the pesticides remain on the produce,
20:40which means they end up in the supermarket and eventually on your plate.
20:45Grapes are a popular fruit worldwide, prized for their sweetness and versatility,
20:54as fresh snacks or in winemaking. Barrett and Greta often pick up grapes at the market.
21:00But like many others, Barrett wonders, how safe are they to eat?
21:07I worry that the grapes are contaminated with pesticides or herbicides and is washing them enough?
21:14Barrett and Greta meet with nutrition expert Katrin Butner to find out. Are grapes a healthy choice,
21:20or should we be more cautious?
21:21Pesticides are an issue because grapes are very delicate. The spaces between the individual grapes
21:30trap moisture, which makes them vulnerable to fungal infections and pests. So in conventional farming,
21:35pesticides are common. We take the grapes to a food testing lab. Manager Gary Zirner knows from
21:44experience, he always finds something. With conventionally grown fruit, especially grapes,
21:54there are almost always pesticides present. In fact, it's very common to find multiple pesticides on a
22:00single sample. We've seen that time and again. The lab will test the samples for a total of 600
22:07different pesticides. First, the grapes are crushed. Then, the pesticides are extracted using
22:14special solvents. Finally, the solvents are removed using a rotary evaporator.
22:24Each sample takes about a day and a half to analyse.
22:31In theory, grapes are very healthy. They're full of vitamins like B6, B1 and folic acid. Vitamin B6
22:38helps with protein metabolism and folic acid is essential for blood formation.
22:43Grapes are also rich in beneficial plant compounds like flavonoids and elagric acid. The skin contains
22:49resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant, while the seeds and skins provide fibre. Seedless grapes are
22:55popular, but to make them grow big and juicy without seeds, they need help, because seeds provide
23:00important growth hormones, which seedless varieties lack. When we breed seedless grapes,
23:07we supply those growth hormones externally. These hormones aren't dangerous for us. They're plant
23:14hormones that don't affect humans. Still, it does mean we're interfering with the plant's natural
23:18processes. There are no regulations for the use of these hormones. Pesticides, on the other hand,
23:26are regulated. So what did our lab tests reveal? We tested four samples and all of them contained
23:35pesticides, at least two per sample. When you combine, say, two, three or four pesticides in one
23:43product, you get a cocktail effect. Instead of doubling the toxicity, these combinations can make
23:49the products up to a hundred times more toxic. The full extent of these interactions is still unknown,
23:57so it's best to err on the side of caution. One thing you can always do is wash your grapes thoroughly.
24:04This can help to remove some of the residues and, if possible, buy fruit from organic farms.
24:09Make sure to wash every fruit and vegetable thoroughly before eating. And speaking of washing,
24:21what about personal care, shampoos, lotions, creams? Many of them contain chemicals and microplastics too.
24:31Even lipsticks can contain plastics that you swallow accidentally, and when you wash or exfoliate,
24:36they wash right down the drain. But don't worry, there are alternatives to keep you looking and
24:43feeling fresh. If you want baby soft skin again, you can easily whip something up at home.
24:52You might even have the ingredients in your kitchen already. Sugar, honey and quark. All natural,
24:59no chemicals. The great thing is we know exactly what's in it. No chemicals, no microplastics.
25:07The sugar scrub is quick to make. Just mix one tablespoon of sugar, two tablespoons of quark,
25:14and one teaspoon of honey until it's smooth and creamy. Then transfer it into a clean, airtight container.
25:25It's best to use a spatula so no bacteria get in. There are no preservatives in it. And because of the
25:33quark, it doesn't last very long. A few drops of lemon juice can extend its shelf life from two days
25:41up to five as long as you store it in the fridge. To keep it fresh and germ-free, it's best to make
25:47small batches and use them up quickly. Less plastic in everyday life. That's what In Good Shape is all about.
25:58It's better for us and the planet. Goodbye. See you next time.
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