Some seasonings have become the target of public criticism?
In our daily lives, have you ever paid attention to the condiments we use every day? Oyster sauce, a character that often appears in cooking, has recently become the target of public criticism because of some "carcinogenic" rumors. In 2021, the AMR issued a warning about the risks of preparing soy sauce, which made us think more about the health effects of these seasonings.
Oyster sauce, a sauce originating from Guangdong, is popular for its unique umami taste. However, recent rumors that oyster sauce may cause cancer have made many people shy away from it. In fact, oyster sauce itself does not contain any known carcinogens, the key is the way it is stored and used.
Oyster sauce contains monosodium glutamate, an additive commonly used to enhance the taste of food. During high-temperature cooking, monosodium glutamate can be converted to sodium pyroglutamate, and although this substance affects the flavor of food, scientific studies have not confirmed its carcinogenicity. However, oyster sauce is susceptible to oxidative decomposition if stored at room temperature for a long time, increasing the risk of aflatoxins, which are a real threat to human health.
In terms of packaging options for oyster sauce, the push-type nozzle, although easy to use, will expose the oyster sauce to air every time it is used, accelerating the oxidation process and increasing the likelihood of spoilage. Therefore, choosing a screw-cap type of oyster sauce can effectively reduce air contact and keep the oyster sauce fresh and safe. At the same time, for families who do not use oyster sauce frequently, buy a small volume of product, which can be used up in a short time after opening the lid to avoid long-term storage.
In addition to oyster sauce, some other common seasonings on the market have also been inappropriately labelled as "carcinogenic". For example, monosodium glutamate, which has long been misunderstood as containing carcinogenic risks, has in fact the main ingredient of monosodium glutamate, monosodium glutamate, has been confirmed by several authorities to be a safe food additive. Also, regarding the acrylamide that garlic may produce in high-temperature cooking, although it is classified as a potential carcinogen, the actual intake is far from a level that is harmful to health.
The kitchen helper needs to be careful!
However, there are some other condiments on the market that require more attention. Formulated soy sauce may contain chloropropanol, a substance that is extremely harmful to human health and may even cause cancer due to the addition of some chemical ingredients to mimic the taste and color of soy sauce. Similarly, some seasonings containing preservatives and artificial colors should also be brought to our attention. Long-term intake of these chemical additives may cause metabolic disorders and even affect the normal functioning of the endocrine system.
When handling these seasonings, proper preservation and use methods are crucial. For example, condiments such as soy sauce and oyster sauce are best stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures, which can effectively reduce the formation of harmful substances. In addition, try to choose reputable, clearly labeled products when making purchases, and avoid buying condiments from unknown sources.
When it comes to the dining table of each household, the right amount of seasoning is key. Over-reliance on these condiments may not only mask the taste of the ingredients themselves, but can also have adverse health effects. Reasonable combination and let the natural flavor of the ingredients come into play is the culinary concept we should pursue.
Now, let's go back to the story of that aunt. She suffered from stomach cancer due to long-term improper storage and use of oyster sauce. Although this case is extreme, it reminds us that we should pay more attention to food safety and health while enjoying food. Through such cases, we can deeply understand the close relationship between lifestyle habits and health.
All in all, seasonings play an important role in our food culture, but their use and storage require a scientifically sound approach. We should not believe those unfounded rumors, but look at these little kitchen helpers through a scientific eye. Let's enjoy food while not forgetting food safety and maintaining the health of our families. Only by ensuring the quality and safety of food can we truly enjoy the happiness and satisfaction brought by food. By choosing and using seasonings wisely, we are not only able to protect the health of ourselves and our families, but also take the taste of our cooking to the next level!