Latest news with #chewinggum
BBC News
05-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Funding for chewing gum removal given to Devon councils
Funding to help remove chewing gum from the streets has been given to two Devon Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council both received a £23,590 grant from the Chewing Gum Task Force to clean up affected streets and footpaths across both areas and reduce gum task force grant scheme was established by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and is run by Keep Britain Tidy with funding from gum manufacturers including Mars Wrigley and Perfetti Van leaders said the funding would provide a positive impact on their ability to remove gum littering from the streets. Councillor Christopher West, West Devon's lead member for climate change and biodiversity, said he hoped it would "act as a reminder to people that our streets look much nicer without litter like chewing gum". Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, South Hams executive member for waste, added: "As a local council we can only do so much about the problems of chewing gum on the street, but we hope the public will be more thoughtful in how they dispose of their gum to help the streets stay cleaner."
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
3 weird ways to keep your brain healthy — one you can do in the shower
No need to overthink brain health! Our noggins take a floggin' with age, leading to reduced brain volume, less effective communication between neurons and decreased blood flow. These changes can affect learning, memory, processing speed and other cognitive functions. Now, you probably already know that eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, managing stress and staying socially connected can help keep brains young. There are also some offbeat strategies to engage your brain — you can learn an instrument, use your non-dominant hand for tasks and take a different route home. Harvard-trained neuroscientist Kevin Woods — director of science at a music streaming service designed to influence brainwave activity — has three other simple suggestions to complement healthy routines. No brainstorm required. Chewing gum can feed the brain in a number of ways, though the exact mechanisms are unclear. Some studies propose that chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain, which means more oxygen and glucose for the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, areas vital for memory and learning. This increased blood flow can also enhance focus and attention and reduce stress and anxiety. As for types of gum, Woods told The Post that 'it should be a gum with decent flavor that doesn't fade too quickly — and one that doesn't fall apart over time.' A dentist might recommend a sugar-free gum that doesn't harm teeth. There could be an even better, if not unconventional, option. A recent study found that chewing hard substances like a wood pencil can boost levels of the antioxidant glutathione in the brain — chewing gum did not provide the same effect. If you're worried about splinters, tooth damage and digestive issues with wooden material, leave it to beavers. 'Backward walking enhances brain health by challenging the brain, focusing attention and strengthening neural connections while potentially forming new pathways,' Woods said. 'Studies have found that backward walking increases cognitive control and even memory recall,' he added. Also known as retro walking, this practice can improve balance, coordination and posture, strengthen certain muscles, reduce lower back pain and burn more calories than walking forward. Experts recommend starting slowly, choosing a path free of obstacles and uneven pavement, keeping the head and torso upright, engaging the core, stepping toes first and being mindful of surroundings. Humming can ease stress and promote relaxation by stimulating the vagus nerve, a complex network of over 200,000 fibers that connects the brain and major organs. Research indicates that humming can also increase nitric oxide levels in the nasal cavity, potentially improving blood flow to the brain and elevating mood. 'Studies on choir singers show enhanced heart rate variability and cognitive function,' Woods explained. 'Plus, the breath control required for sustained notes exercises the same neural networks involved in attention regulation.' Woods recommends doing these three activities often, finding a consistent routine that works for you. Since the brain is the control center for thinking, feeling and acting, taking care of it is crucial for overall health and well-being. 'While science can tell us useful things to try, to some extent, different brains need different things to focus best,' Woods said. 'What you find helpful, someone else may find distracting,' he added. 'So don't be afraid to test what works best for you!'
CNET
04-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
Want to Avoid Microplastics in Food? We Found the 8 Most Common Foods That Contain Microplastics
Microplastics are the latest hidden hazard worry for the world -- and now they've even been found in chewing gum. UCLA researchers have found that every time we chew gum, microplastics are released directly into our mouths. In addition to that, a new study published in Chemistry for Life tested 10 chewing gum brands and found every single one contained microplastics. This was found to be the case with both natural and synthetic varieties. A gram of gum releases around 100 microplastics on average, with some pieces spiking as high as 600. With something as common as chewing gum becoming a delivery mechanism for microplastics, the concerns about unknowingly consuming microplastics are only rising. The average person takes in between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles each year just from food and drink, according to past research. This figure climbs to over 120,000 if you include airborne particles. To better understand how this could affect your health, we talked with a family physician. We discussed what is considered a "safe" level of microplastic intake, which foods are the worst in terms of microplastic content and what steps you can take right now to reduce your exposure. Read more: Microplastics Are Hiding in Your Kitchen. Here's How to Spot Them How many microplastics are too many? "There is no officially established 'safe' or 'unsafe' level of microplastic intake. It makes sense to want your exposure to be as low as possible," Dr. Joseph Mercola, a board-certified family medicine osteopathic physician, said in an email. Microplastics can enter our food due to contamination where the food was grown, raised or processed. Mercola explained that using plastic mulch and plastic seed coatings in agriculture, and irrigation with contaminated water, are among the various ways microplastics can end up in food. Plastic packaging, utensils and containers are additional sources. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, current evidence doesn't suggest that the levels of microplastics in food are a risk to us. However, you still might want to minimize how much microplastics you passively consume. These are the most common foods that contain microplastics, and the measures you can adopt to reduce your plastic intake. Top 10 foods in your diet that contain microplastics 1. Seafood One of the most significant ways plastic particles end up in our food is through single-use plastics that break down and find their way into waterways and soil. When they reach the oceans, they end up in our seafood. "Microplastics are then taken up by plankton and mistaken for food by fish and shellfish," Mercola said. "The tiny particles accumulate in the flesh ... then end up on our plates." A recent study published by Portland State University discovered a variety of microplastics in 180 out of 182 tested seafood samples. Microfibers are the most common type of microplastic present, but this isn't the only type that ends up in our oceans. How to avoid it: While you can't control how many microplastics your fish ate before it got to your plate, you can reduce the amount of filter feeders and bottom feeders you choose to eat (e.g., clams, mussels, oysters, catfish, halibut, flounder and cod). These types of seafood are exposed to higher amounts of microplastics. Also opt for seafood at the store that uses sustainable packaging, not plastic wrap.2. Tea bags A plastic called polypropylene is often used to make tea bags, and even if you choose paper tea bags, there can still be microplastics in them. The issue is that when the bags contact hot water, microplastics may be released into your tea. Researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona discovered that polypropylene tea bags can release plastic particles in the billions, and nylon and cellulose tea bags can release them in the millions. How to avoid it: You don't have to stop drinking tea. Switch to loose-leaf tea and invest in a stainless steel diffuser to enjoy your tea free of microplastics. 3. Rice Rice is also a hot spot for microplastics. A University of Queensland study found that for every half cup of rice, there are 3 to 4 milligrams of plastic. If you use instant rice packets, that number is four times higher, at 13 milligrams. How to avoid it: The study found that washing your rice can reduce plastic contamination by 20% to 40%, though it's worth noting that the study used filtered water for rinsing. 4. Salt and sugar When you top off your dinner with a sprinkling of salt, you're getting an unintentional side of microplastics. It's hard to outrun salt. It's in almost everything we eat, and our bodies need a certain amount of sodium to keep our fluids and electrolytes balanced. One study found that 90% of the 39 sampled salt brands worldwide contained microplastics. This likely results from environmental contamination and the production and packaging process, which includes plastic. Microplastics have also been found in sugar. How to avoid it: To reduce your exposure to microplastics in your salt and sugar, you can buy them packaged in glass or cardboard.5. Bottled water Bottled water is one of the most well-known sources of micro and nanoplastics. One study estimated that there are about 240,000 plastic particulates in a liter of bottled water. Most plastic water bottles you buy at the store are made from polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, plastic, so it wasn't surprising to see it represented. Plastic particles break apart when bottles are squeezed or exposed to heat. And PET plastic isn't the only type of nanoplastic researchers have found in plastic water bottles. How to avoid it: Drinking tap water from a stainless steel or glass container can reduce your risk of ingesting plastic particles. 6. Honey You might not expect your honey to harbor microplastics, but it does, even if it's in a glass jar. Microplastic fibers can be traced back to bees and pollution. One study exploring whether microplastics ingested or carried by honeybees were then incorporated into hives found that bees can continue the dispersal of microplastics through honey. How to avoid it: Buying honey from local beekeepers who often use more natural and sustainable harvesting methods may reduce the risk of microplastic contamination. 7. Fruits and veggies Vegetables and fruits are an essential part of a balanced diet. They can also contain microplastics. One study that sampled fruit and vegetables found that apples were the most contaminated fruit and carrots were the most contaminated vegetable. How does this happen? "Plants have been shown to uptake micro- and nanoplastics from soil through their root systems, thereby contaminating the edible portions," Mercola said. Many grocery stores also package fruit and vegetables in plastic to keep them fresh. According to the FDA, there isn't enough evidence to determine that microplastics from plastic food packaging migrate into food. But Mercola suggests you avoid it as much as you can anyway. How to avoid it: Wash your fruit thoroughly, peel when possible and opt for local or organic produce. Animaflora/Getty Images 8. Proteins A recent study from researchers at the Ocean Conservancy found that 88% of vegetable and animal proteins contain some level of microplastics. But highly processed proteins, like plant-based alternatives, fish sticks or chicken nuggets, harbor the most microplastics, suggesting the microplastic contamination partly comes from food processing. The study found that breaded shrimp had an average of 300 microplastic pieces per serving. Plant-based nuggets had 100 pieces per serving. Food processing isn't the only way microplastics can get into these protein sources. Microplastics are in animal feeds and in the environments where animals are raised. Plant-based alternatives can be contaminated through the soil or irrigation. How to avoid it: After reading that, you may be wondering what protein you should eat. The reality is that more research is needed to know the exact levels and their impact on our health. Our bodies need protein to function, so getting enough is important, no matter which source you choose. Read more: An Easy Protein Visual Guide to Help You Reach Maximum Muscle Gains What do microplastics in food mean for you? So, do all foods contain microplastics? I can't say for sure. I can tell you, however, that more research is needed to understand just how eating foods with microplastics affects us. Still, though the long-term health effects remain under investigation, microplastics are something to watch out for and guard against if you can, as Mercola explained. "Ingested microplastics have been found to accumulate in the circulatory system and various organs, including the brain, where they can cause inflammation and tissue damage," said Mercola. Other potential side effects are hormonal imbalances caused by the endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics. Microplastics can also absorb other environmental toxins and introduce them into the body. There's no established safe level of microplastics, and we can't completely outrun them: They're everywhere and in everything. But it's a good idea to minimize exposure where you can. Expert tips for reducing your intake of microplastics You can cut down by following this advice: 1. Be careful how much shellfish you eat Shellfish like mussels, oysters and scallops have higher levels of microplastics, so don't overdo it. 2. Avoid food-storage containers made of plastic This is one of Mercola's biggest suggestions because of the "plasticizing chemicals" in plastic. BPA and phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can transfer from plastic to food. They're fat-soluble, so this happens most easily with fatty foods. It's best to store foods with fat in glass containers, but you can store dry foods in plastic if you need to. 3. Avoid plastic-wrapped foods This can be easier said than done, but it's something to strive for in areas where you can switch. 4. Get rid of plastic kitchen utensils From the spoons we use to stir our sauces to the cutting boards we use to chop our vegetables, if they're plastic, you're ingesting microplastics. A good rule of thumb is: Anything plastic that comes in contact with your food should be swapped out for ceramic, glass, stainless steel or wood. To help address the overall issue of microplastics in food, you can install a filter in your clothes-washing machine. If you can afford it, a special filter will catch microfibers before they pollute water systems. The PlanetCare 2.0 microfiber filter starts at $125. We still have a lot to learn about microplastics and their long-term implications for our health when ingested. It might be hard to hear they're in so many of our foods, but that shouldn't deter you from eating well. A balanced diet of protein, fruit and vegetables will ensure your body has enough fuel to function and thrive -- microplastics or not.
CNET
25-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
10 Common Foods That Contain Microplastics and How to Avoid Them
Microplastics are the latest hidden hazard worry for the world -- they've even been found in chewing gum. UCLA researchers have found that every time we chew gum, microplastics are released directly into our mouths. In addition to that, a new study published in Chemistry for Life tested 10 chewing gum brands and found every single one contained microplastics. This was found to be the case with both natural and synthetic varieties. A gram of gum releases around 100 microplastics on average, with some pieces spiking as high as 600. With something as common as chewing gum becoming a delivery mechanism for microplastics, the concerns about unknowingly consuming microplastics are only rising. The average person takes in between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles each year just from food and drink according to past research. This figure climbs to over 120,000 if you include airborne particles. To better understand how this could affect your health, we talked with a family physician. We discussed what is considered a "safe" level of microplastic intake, which foods are the worst in terms of microplastic content and what steps you can take right now to reduce your exposure. Read more: Microplastics Are Hiding in Your Kitchen. Here's How to Spot Them How many microplastics are too many? "There is no officially established 'safe' or 'unsafe' level of microplastic intake. It makes sense to want your exposure to be as low as possible," Dr. Joseph Mercola, a board-certified family medicine osteopathic physician, said in an email. Microplastics can enter our food due to contamination where the food was grown, raised or processed. Mercola explained that using plastic mulch and plastic seed coatings in agriculture, and irrigation with contaminated water, are among the various ways microplastics can end up in food. Plastic packaging, utensils and containers are additional sources. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, current evidence doesn't suggest that the levels of microplastics in food are a risk to us. However, you still might want to minimize how much microplastics you passively consume. These are the most common foods that contain microplastics, and the measures you can adopt to reduce your plastic intake. Top 10 foods in your diet that contain microplastics Seafood One of the most significant ways plastic particles end up in our food is through single-use plastics that break down and find their way into waterways and soil. When they reach the oceans, they end up in our seafood. "Microplastics are then taken up by plankton and mistaken for food by fish and shellfish," Mercola said. "The tiny particles accumulate in the flesh ... then end up on our plates." A recent study published by Portland State University discovered a variety of microplastics in 180 out of 182 tested seafood samples. Microfibers are the most common type of microplastic present, but this isn't the only type that ends up in our bags A plastic called polypropylene is often used to make tea bags, and even if you choose paper tea bags, there can still be microplastics in them. The issue is that when the bags contact hot water, microplastics may be released into your tea. Researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona discovered that polypropylene tea bags can release plastic particles in the billions, and nylon and cellulose tea bags can release them in the millions. How to avoid it: You don't have to stop drinking tea. Switch to loose-leaf tea and invest in a stainless steel diffuser to enjoy your tea free of microplastics. Rice Rice is also a hot spot for microplastics. A University of Queensland study found that for every half cup of rice, there are 3 to 4 milligrams of plastic. If you use instant rice packets, that number is four times higher, at 13 milligrams. How to avoid it: The study found that washing your rice can reduce plastic contamination by 20% to 40%, though it's worth noting that the study used filtered water for rinsing. Salt and sugar When you top off your dinner with a sprinkling of salt, you're getting an unintentional side of microplastics. It's hard to outrun salt. It's in almost everything we eat, and our bodies need a certain amount of sodium to keep our fluids and electrolytes balanced. One study found that 90% of the 39 sampled salt brands worldwide contained microplastics. This likely results from environmental contamination and the production and packaging process, which includes plastic. Microplastics have also been found in sugar. How to avoid it: To reduce your exposure to microplastics in your salt and sugar, you can buy them packaged in glass or water Bottled water is one of the most well-known sources of micro and nanoplastics. One study estimated that there are about 240,000 plastic particulates in a liter of bottled water. Most plastic water bottles you buy at the store are made from polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, plastic, so it wasn't surprising to see it represented. Plastic particles break apart when bottles are squeezed or exposed to heat. And PET plastic isn't the only type of nanoplastic researchers have found in plastic water bottles. How to avoid it: Drinking tap water from a stainless steel or glass container can reduce your risk of ingesting plastic particles. Honey You might not expect your honey to harbor microplastics, but it does, even if it's in a glass jar. Microplastic fibers can be traced back to bees and pollution. One study exploring whether microplastics ingested or carried by honeybees were then incorporated into hives found that bees can continue the dispersal of microplastics through honey. How to avoid it: Buying honey from local beekeepers who often use more natural and sustainable harvesting methods may reduce the risk of microplastic contamination. Fruits and veggies Vegetables and fruits are an essential part of a balanced diet. They can also contain microplastics. One study that sampled fruit and vegetables found that apples were the most contaminated fruit and carrots were the most contaminated vegetable. How does this happen? "Plants have been shown to uptake micro- and nanoplastics from soil through their root systems, thereby contaminating the edible portions," Mercola said. Many grocery stores also package fruit and vegetables in plastic to keep them fresh. According to the FDA, there isn't enough evidence to determine that microplastics from plastic food packaging migrate into food. But Mercola suggests you avoid it as much as you can anyway. How to avoid it: Wash your fruit thoroughly, peel when possible and opt for local or organic produce. Animaflora/Getty Images Proteins A recent study from researchers at the Ocean Conservancy found that 88% of vegetable and animal proteins contain some level of microplastics. But highly processed proteins, like plant-based alternatives, fish sticks or chicken nuggets, harbor the most microplastics, suggesting the microplastic contamination partly comes from food processing. The study found that breaded shrimp had an average of 300 microplastic pieces per serving. Plant-based nuggets had 100 pieces per serving. Food processing isn't the only way microplastics can get into these protein sources. Microplastics are in animal feeds and in the environments where animals are raised. Plant-based alternatives can be contaminated through the soil or irrigation. How to avoid it: After reading that, you may be wondering what protein you should eat. The reality is that more research is needed to know the exact levels and their impact on our health. Our bodies need protein to function, so getting enough is important, no matter which source you choose. Read more: An Easy Protein Visual Guide to Help You Reach Maximum Muscle Gains What do microplastics in food mean for you? So, do all foods contain microplastics? I can't say for sure. I can tell you, however, that more research is needed to understand just how eating foods with microplastics affects us. Still, though the long-term health effects remain under investigation, microplastics are something to watch out for and guard against if you can, as Mercola explained. "Ingested microplastics have been found to accumulate in the circulatory system and various organs, including the brain, where they can cause inflammation and tissue damage," said Mercola. Other potential side effects are hormonal imbalances caused by the endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics. Microplastics can also absorb other environmental toxins and introduce them into the body. There's no established safe level of microplastics, and we can't completely outrun them: They're everywhere and in everything. But it's a good idea to minimize exposure where you can. Expert tips for reducing your intake of microplastics You can cut down by following this advice: Be careful how much shellfish you eat Shellfish like mussels, oysters and scallops have higher levels of microplastics, so don't overdo it. Avoid food-storage containers made of plastic This is one of Mercola's biggest suggestions because of the "plasticizing chemicals" in plastic. BPA and phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can transfer from plastic to food. They're fat-soluble, so this happens most easily with fatty foods. It's best to store foods with fat in glass containers, but you can store dry foods in plastic if you need to. Avoid plastic-wrapped foods This can be easier said than done, but it's something to strive for in areas where you can switch. Get rid of plastic kitchen utensils From the spoons we use to stir our sauces to the cutting boards we use to chop our vegetables, if they're plastic, you're ingesting microplastics. A good rule of thumb is: Anything plastic that comes in contact with your food should be swapped out for ceramic, glass, stainless steel or wood. To help address the overall issue of microplastics in food, you can install a filter in your clothes-washing machine. If you can afford it, a special filter will catch microfibers before they pollute water systems. The PlanetCare 2.0 microfiber filter starts at $125. We still have a lot to learn about microplastics and their long-term implications for our health when ingested. It might be hard to hear they're in so many of our foods, but that shouldn't deter you from eating well. A balanced diet of protein, fruit and vegetables will ensure your body has enough fuel to function and thrive -- microplastics or not.
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Centenarian chews over time at Wrigley's factory in Devon
A man from Devon has returned to the chewing gum factory where he used to work as part of his celebrating his 100th birthday. Tom Coverley, from Plymstock, worked at the Wrigley factory on the outskirts of Plymouth for 12 years between 1975 and 1987. Mr Coverley turned 100 on Sunday and used to work as a sugar-wrapping machine mechanic, looking after 18 machines. The company said he was "fondly remembered for his curiosity, craftsmanship, and community spirit." Mr Coverley was invited back to the factory by the company for a tour and was presented with a cake and presents. He and his family spoke with staff and he was shown pictures and products from when he worked there. He was also shown a video of what the company looks like today. Mr Coverley said he "really enjoyed" returning and being able to see how everything has changed and "improved". He said that, prior to working at the factory, he helped build Lancaster bombers during World War Two and was in the Army. Speaking of his time at the Plymouth factory, he said: "I liked the job. "I used to work on the four-piece machines, which produced chewing gum pellets in small packets."But he said the firm started stated phasing them out just before he retired so they could concentrate "on larger 10-piece packets". Site legacy Plant manager at Mars Wrigley Plymouth Adrian Grochowski said it was a "special day".He said when Mr Coverley was retiring, he was just a year old, so I "didn't have a clue" what it was like there then. "This site has a massive legacy," he added: "A lot of people have worked here for many years and having this kind of guest got a lot of notice, and everyone has been talking about the visit". Wrigley became part of the Mars group in 2008.
