Why a longevity doctor refuses to drink from a gadget THOUSANDS of Aussies use every day
A longevity doctor has issued a stark warning about the hidden dangers lurking in your kitchen tap - and why she refuses to use instant hot water faucets in her own home.
Dr Poonam Desai, a physician who specialises in preventative health and longevity, took to social media to share the surprising reason she avoids the kitchen gadget that many rely on for their morning tea or coffee.
'I do not use instant hot water faucets,' she said.
'Almost all of them use plastic tubing, which means piping hot water is flowing through plastic. Heating plastic releases millions of microplastics into drinking water - and these are known hormone disruptors.'
Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles that can enter the body through food and water, have been linked to hormonal imbalances and other health issues.
Dr Desai believes avoiding unnecessary exposure is a key part of living a longer, healthier life.
Instead of using instant hot water taps, the New York-based doctor opts for a more traditional approach.
'I get cold water out of the faucet and heat it in my stainless steel kettle or over a stainless steel pot,' she said.
Her method may sound old-fashioned, but it's backed by emerging science.
According to a study published by the American Chemical Society, boiling hard water - which contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium - can significantly reduce the amount of microplastics you consume.
Here's how it works: when hard water is boiled, calcium carbonate forms and traps microplastics in the process.
Once cooled, the water can be filtered, removing both the minerals and the plastic particles.
This simple practice can remove up to 90 per cent of microplastics in tap water.
Soft water, which has lower levels of calcium and magnesium, may not trap as many microplastics, but still offers some benefit when boiled.
Health-conscious Australians are increasingly wary of microplastic exposure.
With the rise of plastic-lined appliances, synthetic food packaging, and now kitchen fittings, many are seeking out safer ways to reduce their risk.
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