Which is the healthier choice over the long term: boiled tap water or bottled water?
Looking at five samples each of three common bottled water brands, researchers found particle levels ranged from 110,000 to 400,000 microscopic plastic pieces per liter, averaging at around 240,000 according to a study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2024.
These tiny nanoplastics can enter the bloodstream through intestinal or lung cells, travel to organs such as the heart and brain, and even cross the placenta into a fetus.
Tap water isn't free from plastic either. Research analyzing 159 tap water samples from 14 countries found microplastics or nanoplastics in 129 of them — an 81.1% detection rate.
While the full health impact of microplastics is still being studied, evidence shows they can reduce absorption of micronutrients, trigger intestinal issues like diarrhea and cramps, and cause inflammation by irritating tissue.
Here's the good news: boiling water can significantly reduce microplastic intake. Letting boiled water sit and using a filter can help even more.
从长期来看，哪种选择更健康：烧开的自来水还是瓶装水？
根据2024年《美国国家科学院院刊》的一项研究，研究人员对三种常见瓶装水品牌各取五份样本进行分析，发现每升水中的微观塑料颗粒数量在11万至40万之间，平均约为24万。
这些微小的纳米塑料颗粒可通过肠道或肺部细胞进入血液，随血液流动至心脏和大脑等器官，甚至能穿透胎盘进入胎儿体内。
自来水也并非不含塑料。一项对来自14个国家159份自来水样本的分析发现，其中129份含有微塑料或纳米塑料——检出率达81.1%。
尽管微塑料对健康的全面影响尚在研究中，但已有证据表明它们会减少人体对微量营养素的吸收，引发腹泻、痉挛等肠道问题，并通过刺激组织引发炎症。
好消息是：烧开水能显著减少微塑料摄入。将烧开的水静置并配合使用过滤器，效果会更佳。
microscopic /ˌmaɪkrəˈskɒpɪk/ 形容词
词义：微观的，极微小的
例句：Microscopic algae are invisible to the naked eye but essential to marine ecosystems.（微观藻类肉眼不可见，但对海洋生态系统至关重要。）
nanoplastics /ˈnænəʊplæstɪks/ 名词（复数）
词义：纳米塑料（尺寸小于1微米的塑料颗粒）
例句：Scientists are studying how nanoplastics migrate through living tissues.（科学家正在研究纳米塑料如何穿透生物组织。）
bloodstream /ˈblʌdstriːm/ 名词
词义：血流，血液循环系统
例句：The medication quickly enters the bloodstream and takes effect within minutes.（药物迅速进入血液循环，数分钟内即可生效。）
intestine /ɪnˈtestɪn/ 名词
词义：肠道
例句：Villi in the small intestine greatly increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.（小肠绒毛极大地增加了营养吸收的表面积。）
placenta /pləˈsentə/ 名词
词义：胎盘
例句：The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus.（胎盘为发育中的胎儿提供氧气和营养。）
detection /dɪˈtekʃn/ 名词
词义：检测，发现
例句：Early detection of the disease significantly improves treatment outcomes.（该疾病的早期检测能显著改善治疗结果。）
micronutrient /ˈmaɪkrəʊnjuːtrɪənt/ 名词
词义：微量营养素（如维生素、矿物质）
例句：Iron and zinc are essential micronutrients for human health.（铁和锌是人体健康必需的微量营养素。）
inflammation /ˌɪnfləˈmeɪʃn/ 名词
词义：炎症，发炎
例句：Applying ice can reduce inflammation after a minor injury.（轻微受伤后冰敷可减轻炎症。）
filter /ˈfɪltə(r)/ 名词/动词
词义：过滤器；过滤
例句：This water filter can remove 99% of impurities.（这款净水器能去除99%的杂质。）
