The surgeon warned of potential health risks linked to the kitchen staple
Plastic chopping boards are widespread in countless households, but medical professionals are now cautioning against their usage. Speaking on TikTok, one cardiac surgeon has revealed that there are numerous health hazards linked to using plastic chopping boards, from fertility issues to effects on your heart health.
In a video uploaded to the social media platform, Dr Jeremy London revealed: “Using plastic cutting boards regularly over the course of the year, you can ingest up to almost 50 grams of microplastics.
“That’s the same as 10 credit cards. There’s been a trend in the data to show that this can affect fertility, endocrine function and maybe even cardiovascular health.”
Rather than plastic, the medic suggested choosing a wooden chopping board, noting that these are “great” and won’t result in consuming microplastics.
Within the same footage, Dr London cautioned that processed meats can be just as damaging, stating: “You’re talking about things like hot dogs, packaged luncheon meats. They’re filled with nitrates and nitrites. Increased risk of colon cancer, type 2 diabetes. It’s dose dependent so just be mindful.”
He also emphasised that frequent cannabis and/or alcohol consumption can likewise prove detrimental to your long-term wellbeing, noting that there’s truly no “safe” quantity of alcohol to drink.
Identifying another factor that can harm your health, the cardiac surgeon disclosed that isolation can affect your physical, alongside your mental wellbeing.
He said: “We are social creatures, and the data has clearly shown that chronic loneliness can be as dangerous as cigarette smoking, or even obesity. So call a friend, stay connected. It’s super important.”
