Kitchen Gadgets to Replace, According to Neurologists

Microplastics are seemingly everywhere, and recent studies have only increased the topic’s visibility, leading to genuine concerns about whether we need to be proactive about them. While we’ve spoken with various experts on the topic, namely oncologists, cardiologists and endocrinologists, we have yet to hear what neurologists think about how microplastics affect the human brain—until today.   

I chatted with Board-Certified Neurologist Jon Stewart Hao Dy, MD, FPNA, based in the Philippines, and Paul Bendheim, MD, Clinical Professor of Neurology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Founder and CEO of BrainSavers, Inc. and author of The Brain Training Revolution: A Proven Workout for Healthy Brain Aging. “The major plastic molecules in microplastics are polyethylene nanoplastic fragments,” says Bendheim. “Current evidence suggests that food, drinking water, and inhalation (dust particles) together account for the majority of human exposure. Food is believed to be the major source of human exposure to microplastics.” So, what can we do about this? I asked the doctors for their best advice on what steps we can take to minimize exposure.   

Best Overall Microplastic-Free Swaps

Both doctors note that the scientific link between microplastics and brain health is evolving. “Experimental studies suggest that microplastics may cross biological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier, where they have been associated with neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal dysfunction. However, the current pool of evidence is still derived predominantly from laboratory and animal studies, and we do not yet have definitive human evidence,” says Dy. Fortunately, you can take healthy steps in the kitchen.

“For example: don’t microwave plastic, decrease the use of plastic wraps and plastic cutting boards, and try to avoid plastic bottled water. Minimize the use of cosmetics, toothpastes, and body washes that list plastic ingredients like polyethylene or polypropylene, two of the most common plastic polymers found in environmental microplastics and in the human brain and other tissues.” Dy said the same thing, adding that “heat can increase the release of microplastics and plastic-associated chemicals into food and beverages.” 

These are some of the best glass containers you can buy—I swapped all of my plastic containers for these and haven’t looked back. Not only are they durable, sleek and versatile, but they’re also uniquely designed with just glass and silicone. All bases are entirely made of glass, while the lids feature a glass interior and a silicone gasket to seal tightly. 

Instead of grabbing those plastic baggies and throwing them away, try this reusable silicone option. We love how durable they are, and the seal is stronger than your single-use alternatives, so you can confidently use these in the pantry, refrigerator and freezer, keeping food fresh for weeks to months. 

Heating food in plastic has been shown to increase the risk of microplastic exposure, so investing in safer options pays for itself over time. These Anyday containers were specifically designed to cook food in the microwave more effectively. They’re made from sturdy glass, stainless steel and silicone, and feature a vent you can open or close depending on what you’re heating. 

Cooking or heating food in a pot or pan is a good alternative to the microwave, especially if you don’t have space for one. All you need is a trusty skillet and saucepan, and luckily, our favorite Calphalon stainless steel set includes both. We love how this cookware heats and maintains its temperature throughout the cooking process. It performs like more expensive pans, making it worth its value—especially since it’s on sale. 

It’s pretty easy to fall into the trap of buying disposable plastic water bottles—they’re convenient and made for life on the go. But once I found a reusable bottle that checked all the same benefits, it became increasingly easier to leave single-use plastic bottles behind. This BrüMate is durable enough to withstand some accidental tumbles and keeps my water fresh and ice-cold for more than 24 hours. The straw is made of stainless steel with a silicone top for easy sipping, so I can put hot drinks in it without worrying about sipping through a plastic straw. I stay more hydrated with this bottle than I ever would have with plastic versions.  

Urban Green is an up-and-coming brand making great alternatives to classic plastic kitchen products—this set has a stainless steel base with a glass and silicone lid, so they’re particularly great for hot foods. The containers are also safe for the microwave, oven, dishwasher, freezer and refrigerator. 

Cutting on plastic cutting boards isn’t ideal, as it increases the chances of those particles getting into your food. A quality wooden board is both functional and nice enough to leave out on your countertop. No brand is better known for those two features than John Boos. Some of its models can cost a pretty penny, but this maple board is a palatable $60 and performs beautifully. 

This is a genius kitchen swap that I can’t stop raving about. While there are instances where plastic wrap makes more sense, I grab these pliable wraps most of the time. They seal from the warmth of your hand, thanks to the beeswax coating. I like this cut-to-size variety because I can grab the exact piece I need. Best of all, I can keep reusing them after a quick wash with soap and cold water. 

Both doctors recommend those daily plastic-reducing kitchen tips, in addition to “prioritizing interventions that are already proven to protect brain health, including regular physical activity, good sleep, blood pressure and diabetes control, smoking and vaping cessation, meaningful social engagement, and a balanced dietary pattern such as the Mediterranean diet,” says Dy. Microplastics account for a very small part of the puzzle of human brain health, and “the potential harmful effects of microplastics are currently postulated but not proven,” says Bendheim. Take proactive steps across all accounts if brain health is a strong concern.