2 min read- A new study published in Bioresource Technology found that a certain bacterium found in kimchi can help to clear the body of microplastics.
- Kimchi’s lactic acid bacterium binds to nanoplastics in the intestine and is then excreted via the bowel.
- Ridding the body of microplastics is key to managing overall health.
Most plastics break down over time into small particles called microplastics and nanoplastics, which can enter the human body through food and water. Numerous studies have found microplastics in multiple organs and tissues, including our hearts, stomachs, and even our brains. Exposure to these tiny particles only seems to be getting worse, presenting a real problem: damage to organs, DNA, and even metabolic and reproductive health.
But new research highlights a promising way to naturally rid your body of those pesky plastics. According to a study published in Bioresource Technology, kimchi contains a bacterium that can help to rid the body of nanoplastics—a type of microplastic formed by the breakdown of plastic pollution. Research found that, when isolated, the lactic acid bacterium present in kimchi binds to nanoplastics in the intestine and is then excreted through the bowel.
Testing in mice found that the kimchi-derived bacterium detected twice as much nanoplastic in feces as the control group that did not receive any probiotics.
“Plastic pollution is increasingly recognized not only as an environmental issue but also as a public health concern,” said Dr. Sehee Lee, the lead researcher of the study. “Our findings suggest that microorganisms derived from traditional fermented foods could represent a new biological approach to address this emerging challenge.”
If you’re not familiar with kimchi, it’s a spicy fermented vegetable side dish made most commonly from napa cabbage and radishes seasoned with gochugaru, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce. It can be enjoyed alongside bibimbap, stirred into fried rice, or folded into creamy pasta. It tastes great, and the detox benefits are a nice touch.