Many people are preoccupied with work and frequently work overtime till late at night, going home hungry. To save time, they frequently buy a significant amount of food on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator, relying on this “reserve” to cover their food needs for the next few days.
Few people realize that this seemingly handy but potentially d.e.a.d.l.y eating habit is a time bomb for their bodies.
The expert emphasized that, while refrigerators can extend the shelf life of food, they are not “safe” in all circumstances.
The following are five sorts of foods that should not be left in the refrigerator for an extended time because they can become the “father” of p.o.i.s.o.n, or a “accomplice” in the causation of can:cer.
1. Green leafy vegetables
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Green leafy vegetables including spinach, cabbage, lettuce, etc. contain nitrates. After being stored in the refrigerator for too long, the nitrate in these veggies can be changed to nitrite, raising the r.i.s.k of ca:ncer.
The nitrite concentration, in particular, can grow considerably after 16 hours of refrigeration.
2. Meat thawed many times
When meat is repeatedly thawed and stored in the refrigerator, it can create a high amount of bacteria and hazardous substances, including carcinogens such as P-ammonium dinitrate. The concentration of these compounds increases dramatically with the frequency of freezing and thawing, thereby increasing the r.i.s.k of can:cer following consumption.
To prevent freezing and thawing meat multiple times, put it in little bags and use only what you need.
3. Leftovers
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After a lengthy period of storage in the refrigerator, leftovers can grow bacteria and fungi, releasing toxic compounds. Protein-rich foods, such as meat and soy products, are more susceptible to spoilage after prolonged storage.
When these harmful substances enter the human body, they may raise the r.i.s.k of can:cer. As a result, you should eat leftovers as soon as possible rather than storing them for an extended period.
4. Opened milk
For illustrative purposes only.
Milk and dairy products, including yogurt and cheese, are high in protein and fat. If left in the refrigerator for an extended time after opening the lid/package, the food will quickly spoil and produce a large number of bacteria and microorganisms.
Spoiled dairy products not only have lower nutritional value but can also cause liver damage. As a result, it is best to consume dairy products as quickly as possible after lifting the lid.
5. Pickled foods
For illustrative purposes only.
Pickled foods such as salted fish, bacon, and kimchi contain a large amount of salt and preservatives added during the production process. After these foods are stored in the refrigerator for a long time, they can grow bacteria, and fungi and produce harmful substances such as nitrite.
Nitrites can be converted into nitrosamines in the human body, a known carcinogen. Long-term consumption can increase the risk of gastrointestinal can:cers such as stomach can:cer.