Kimchi can flush microplastics, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• Scientists in South Korea found that a probiotic bacterium in kimchi may help flush out microplastics from the body.
• Lab tests showed the kimchi-derived microbe effectively clung to nanoplastics even under intestinal conditions.
• The research suggests that microbes in fermented foods can interact with environmental pollutants in the body.

Detailed Insights:

• Microplastics accumulation in organs poses a growing health concern, prompting research into removal methods.
• The probiotic bacterium's ability to bind with nanoplastics in the gut could prevent their absorption into the bloodstream.
• This discovery highlights the potential of fermented foods beyond digestion, suggesting a role in detoxifying environmental pollutants.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Probiotic bacterium: Beneficial microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed.
• Microplastics: Small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size that pollute the environment.
• Nanoplastics: Extremely small plastic particles, typically less than 100 nanometers in size.