Hot pot, this gourmet feast that brings people together, is undoubtedly a heart-warming choice for many people on cold days. Imagine a pot of hot soup with all kinds of ingredients around it, and everyone sitting in a circle, chatting and shabu-shabu, is it already heartwarming, and part of the charm of hot pot lies in the rich choice of everything from fresh sliced meat to all kinds of vegetables to seafood and soy products, there is always something to hit your taste buds.
But don't rush to get out of the pot! Although there are so many ingredients in hot pot that you can't eat everything. Yes, there are some ingredients that look tempting and may not be kind to our health. For example, those overly processed foods may contain a lot of additives that are harmful to the body, and some ingredients are easy to hide dirt and dirt because of improper storage, and eating too much may make your stomach quarrel.
Duck blood
Duck blood is very popular in hot pot because it has a smooth and tender texture and can absorb the flavor of the soup well. But here's a little secret, duck blood is an out-and-out "little polluting expert". Because it has many pores, it is particularly susceptible to adsorbing heavy metals and bacteria. If not handled and stored properly, these contaminants can enter your body and cause physical discomfort. In addition, if the duck blood is not cooked thoroughly, residual bacteria can also be a health hazard. So, when choosing duck blood, make sure it's from a reliable source and well cooked in a hot pot.
Maruko
There are many types of meatballs in the supermarket, and it seems to be a good companion for hot pot. However, many meatballs are produced with a large number of food additives, such as preservatives, colorings, etc., which may affect the digestive system and even cause other health problems after long-term ingestion. In particular, some balls that are too bright in color may be the result of artificial coloring. While enjoying the convenience, we may unknowingly ingest these substances that are not good for our health.
seafood
Seafood is the first choice for many people's hot pot, but freshness is a big issue. It is difficult to guarantee that all the seafood in the market is fresh, especially some shellfish products, and the bacteria and toxins contained in stale seafood may cause food poisoning and seriously affect health once they enter the human body. In addition, heavy metals and other contaminants may also accumulate in seafood, which is a potential threat to the body. Therefore, you must be cautious when choosing seafood, and try to buy it from reputable merchants to ensure food safety.
squid
Squid is another popular ingredient in hot pot because of its toughness and delicious taste. But the problem is that some squid products on the market may be over-processed with chemicals such as whitening agents in order to look whiter and more appealing. These additives are harmful to health and may cause indigestion or allergic reactions. At the same time, the squid itself is also prone to spoilage if it is not stored properly. Therefore, it is important to choose fresh squid and avoid those products that have been processed and have an abnormal color.
When eating hot pot, it's important to choose healthy and nutritious ingredients, and here are some simple tips to help you make a better choice:
For meat, beef and lamb slices are an excellent choice because they are rich in protein and at the same time, too much fat can be avoided if you choose freshly sliced meat. Chicken is also a good choice, especially skinless chicken, which is low in fat and high in protein, making it ideal for people who need to control their fat intake.
Seafood is also very popular in hot pot, and fresh fish fillets and shrimp are not only delicious, but also provide high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are especially good for heart health. Shellfish such as scallops and clams are rich in minerals and are a healthy seafood choice.
Vegetables are an indispensable part of hot pot, and leafy vegetables such as spinach and mushrooms such as enoki mushrooms can provide essential fiber, aid digestion, and make hot pot more colorful. As a source of vegetable protein, tofu not only tastes good, but is also low in fat, making it perfect for hot pot.
Finally, pasta dishes such as handmade ramen or rice noodles can provide carbohydrates, giving you enough energy and long-lasting satiety to complete your hot pot experience.
While enjoying the delicious taste of hot pot, choosing the right ingredients is very crucial. While hot pot is a popular form of gathering for warmth and fun, the right choice of ingredients ensures that the fun doesn't compromise on your health. Healthy eating should always be at the forefront of any food choice, and this is especially important in a multi-ingredient, high-freedom dining format like hot pot.