Scientists from South Korea have discovered that bacteria found in the traditional dish "kimchi" help cleanse the intestines of nanoplastics and accelerate their removal from the body.
Scientists pointed out that nanoplastics are microscopic plastic particles that enter the body through water, seafood, salt, and other foods, and can accumulate in tissues, causing diseases such as cancer. They also noted that the Leuconostoc mesenteroides CBA3656 bacteria found in the traditional South Korean dish "kimchi" can cleanse the intestines of these materials and accelerate their removal from the body.
Laboratory tests showed that the bacteria were able to bind to about 87% of the plastic nanoparticles, even at different temperatures and pH levels. Under conditions that mimic the human gut, the efficiency remained high, about 57%, and that these particles bind to the surface of the bacteria, so that the body can expel them naturally.
Experiments on mice confirmed this effect, as researchers observed that animals given these bacteria eliminated the plastic nanoparticles more effectively with their feces.
Researchers believe this type of bacteria could be added to probiotic supplements in the future to address the problem of microplastic buildup in the body, but they noted that more research is needed to confirm its benefits for humans.
