A new year is a great time for change—it’s exactly why resolutions came to be. And if you ask me, 2026 already has a strong theme: Many people want to make better choices for themselves, whether that’s the food they eat or the exercise they commit to. I am the same way, which is why I’ve been reaching out to experts for their advice. Cardiologists have some of the most fascinating perspectives, as cardiovascular health intersects with many different aspects of our well-being.

In light of what was one of the biggest topics of 2025—kitchen toxins like microplastics, PFAS (aka forever chemicals), lead and flame retardants—I asked three cardiologists for their honest advice: Do these materials interact with heart health? What should we actually avoid and why? And how can we do this in a manageable way?

Cardiologists’ #1 Concern

After polling cardiologists, doctors were most concerned about three well-known toxins: lead, plastics, and forever chemicals., Specifically, two out of the three doctors said microplastics were their biggest worry, while one flagged lead and PFAS. What ties these three together is that they can adversely impact heart health, and there are manageable ways to reduce your daily exposure.

“My goal as a cardiologist is not to create fear, but to help people make practical, evidence-based choices that fit into real life and meaningfully support long-term heart health,” says Dr. Juan Carlos Rozo, MD, FACC, Fase, RPVI at Houston Methodist Hospital. “I am concerned, but in a measured, evidence-based way. For Dr. Rozo, his biggest concern is with lead and PFAS since we have the most data to support them, noting that “these [materials] are all well-recognized drivers of cardiovascular disease.”

Dr. Pedro Martinez-Clark, MD, FACCa cardiologist at Amavita Heart and Vascular Health who has spent 26 years treating heart disease, is “particularly alarmed by recent breakthrough studies that have identified microplastics in human arterial plaques.” If he could choose one material to focus on, it’d be micro- and nanoplastics. “What makes this particularly urgent is that microplastics are nearly impossible to avoid completely; they’re in our water (even tap water), food packaging, dust in our homes and the air we breathe. The average person may be ingesting tens of thousands of microplastic particles annually,” he notes. Dr. Andrew Rudin, MDagrees, adding that “these plastics contain chemicals that can disrupt endocrine function as well as cause inflammation and oxidative stress resulting in obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, heart disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and cancer.”

So, what can we do about it?

Safer Alternatives to Consider

“Patients can take meaningful action to reduce microplastic exposure more readily than they can address some other environmental toxins. This makes it an ideal starting point for those who feel overwhelmed about where to begin,” says Dr. Martinez-Clark. We’ve tested a wide range of different kitchen gear, many of which can be considered safer alternatives to products containing microplastics, lead or PFAS. Below are our best recommendations.

Bentgo Signature Leakproof Glass Food Storage Container Set

These storage containers are made with glass and silicone. I have been testing them at home for four months, and I really appreciate how durable and airtight they are. Whether I store food in the freezer, refrigerator or pantry, the lid’s seal ensures food stays fresh for days on end. Because there’s no plastic, I never worry about keeping food frozen and stored inside, even if it’s for months at a time.

Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bag Set, 4-Pack

A great alternative to plastic bags, Stasher’s silicone storage options are excellent for keeping ingredients fresh. Use them for sandwiches, snacks, produce and more. We particularly love them for the freezer because of their sturdy material and tight seal—a rarity with plastic versions.

Bee’s Wrap Beeswax Wraps for Food

Buying Bee’s Wrap wraps was one of the smartest things I did in 2025. When I was looking for an option to replace most use cases for plastic wrap, I immediately jumped on buying this cut-it-yourself roll. It’s made with organic cotton, beeswax, organic plant oils and tree resin. The sheets seal with the warmth of your hands, and you can wash them with cold water and soap and reuse them time and time again.

John Boos Chop-N-Slice Series Rectangular Wooden Maple Cutting Board

Over time, plastic cutting boards get nicked up from your knives, increasing your chances of ingesting microplastics. Investing in a nice wooden cutting board is a great option to grab for most prep, and John Boos makes some of the best on the market. I’ve used these everywhere from professional kitchens to at-home set-ups, and they always hold up. This model is a good starting point for the brand. It’s made with maple wood, is 1 inch thick for durability and lasts for years with proper care.

Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware Set

When it comes to cookware, reaching for simple materials like stainless steel is a great option. We love Calphalon pans for their design, durability and fair price. This set is an excellent choice for many cooking applications. The 10-inch frying pan sears and sautés beautifully, while the 2.5-quart saucepan bubbles sauces and heats food with ease.

Lodge 12-Inch Cast-Iron Skillet with Silicone Handle Holder

Our favorite simple cast-iron skillet on the market, the Lodge pan, is the one to grab for browning salmon fillets, cooking one-pan dinners or baking up a tasty dessert. It comes preseasoned and only requires oil maintenance to last for decades to come.

Earlywood 13-in Handmade Wooden Kitchen Cooking Utensil

When it comes to cooking tools, I always recommend these wooden spatulas for a true multi-tasking option. The slim design and hard edges make it excellent for scraping, tossing, stirring, flipping and more. Once you have one of these, you’ll likely reach for it over every other tool. They’re handmade from wood and have lasted me for years, even with daily use.

Doctors want to reiterate that they don’t want you to make a 180-degree change, and that this isn’t the only way to manage heart health. Always do what works best for you and your budget. “Perfect is the enemy of good. I counsel my patients to focus on high-impact, sustainable changes rather than trying to eliminate every possible risk, which is both impossible and can create unhealthy anxiety,” says Dr. Martinez-Clark.