Warning! Coffee in plastic cups could be silently poisoning your hormones, gut and overall health |

Takeaway coffee is a daily ritual for many, and paper cups are often seen as a safer alternative to plastic. However, nutritionist Khushi Chhabra warns of a hidden health risk. Many paper cups contain a thin plastic lining that, when exposed to hot beverages, can release microplastics. These tiny plastic particles may enter the body with each sip, potentially impacting health over time. While the effects are not immediately visible, microplastics can accumulate and interfere with the body’s natural processes, posing subtle yet significant risks. Being aware of this hidden danger can help consumers make safer choices, such as using reusable cups or avoiding prolonged exposure to hot drinks in disposable paper cups.

At first glance, paper cups seem harmless. They are lightweight, convenient, and marketed as eco-friendly. The reality is that most disposable paper cups are coated with a thin layer of plastic, usually polyethylene, to prevent leaks and keep them waterproof.

This hidden plastic layer is not obvious to the naked eye. When hot coffee or tea is poured into a paper cup, the heat can cause this plastic lining to break down. As a result, tiny particles of microplastics can leach into the drink without the consumer noticing. Microplastics are now found throughout the environment and even inside human bodies. Research has detected them in drinking water, soil, seafood, breast milk, reproductive tissues, and blood. Their widespread presence is concerning because these tiny particles can quietly disrupt health over time.Drinking from paper cups adds to microplastic exposure. Every cup of coffee consumed from these lined cups could be contributing to the accumulation of plastics in the body, often without the drinker’s knowledge.

Temperature plays a key role in microplastic leaching. According to Khushi Chhabra, when hot coffee is poured into a paper cup, the heat reacts with the plastic lining, causing thousands of microplastic particles to enter the drink. These particles are extremely small, often less than 25,000 microns, and are easily consumed without detection.Khushi emphasises that this process happens quietly and continuously, meaning that every cup of takeaway coffee could be delivering hidden microplastics directly into the body.

Once ingested, microplastics do not simply pass through the digestive system. They can enter the bloodstream and act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone balance. In women, this may contribute to oestrogen dominance, which can lead to a variety of health problems.Microplastics can also trigger inflammation, disrupt gut health, and negatively affect metabolic processes. These effects are often subtle, building up over time, which makes chronic exposure potentially dangerous even if the immediate impact is not obvious.

Nutritionist Khushi Chhabra strongly advises avoiding disposable paper cups. Instead, she recommends using reusable options made from safer materials. Ceramic cups and stainless steel tumblers are ideal choices for daily coffee consumption.For takeaway coffee, customers can request a ceramic cup or carry their own stainless steel tumbler. This simple change not only reduces the risk of consuming microplastics but also helps cut down on single-use waste, benefiting the environment as well.While paper cups may appear convenient and environmentally friendly, their hidden plastic lining makes them a significant source of microplastic exposure. Hot beverages accelerate the release of these tiny particles, which can disrupt hormones, inflame the gut, and affect long-term metabolic health. Switching to ceramic or stainless steel cups is a practical and effective way to protect health and reduce plastic consumption.