New research suggests that antioxidants found in fruits, nuts, and vegetables could help to mitigate the harmful effects of microplastics on human reproductive systems. Microplastics, which contain thousands of chemicals, have been found in various parts of the human body, including reproductive organs, and can lead to issues such as hormone disruption and decreased sperm quality. However, anthocyanins, natural compounds found in plants that give them their color, have been shown to offer protection against these effects by counteracting oxidative damage and inflammation with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fruits and vegetables that are red, purple, or blue are particularly rich in anthocyanins, with berries such as mulberries, blackberries, and cherries being good sources of these compounds. These compounds, which are a subset of flavonoid antioxidants, not only support reproductive health but also offer a range of other health benefits, including preventing diseases linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, promoting heart health, and improving gut health by increasing the diversity of gut bacteria. Anthocyanins are considered a promising solution in the search for natural compounds that can help protect against the harmful effects of microplastics on reproductive function, according to the study.