B1 – Intermediate
Scientists say tiny plastic particles are everywhere, including in our bodies. Microplastics are small, and nanoplastics are even smaller.
A new study in South Korea found that bacteria from the food kimchi can help remove nanoplastics from the body. The bacteria attach to the plastic in the gut, and it leaves the body as waste. This may stop the plastic from building up in organs.
Nanoplastics are a growing health concern because their effects are still unknown. People may take in thousands of tiny plastic pieces each year. Scientists believe this new discovery could help reduce plastic in the body.
Read the article about how fermented food like kimchi can help expel nanoplastics from our body.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2604/260402-kimchi-nanoplastics-2.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “fermented” mean? “A new study has found that bacteria from the fermented Korean dish kimchi can help to take nanoplastics out of the body.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “side effect” mean? “Nanoplastics are worrying the medical community. There are many side effects.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “tackle” mean? “The lead researcher said fermented foods could be “a new biological approach” to tackle the nanoplastic problem.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion about what this study found about kimchi?
- What is your opinion and reaction to this, “Our body has 7 grams of plastic. This is about the size of a credit card.“?
- What are your thoughts on this, “Fermented foods could be a new biological approach to tackle the nanoplastic problem.”?
- Do you worry about microplastics and nanoplastics and their effects on our health? Share your insights.
- Do you like fermented food? Why or why not?