Before reading this article, I sincerely invite you to click "Follow", which is not only convenient for you to discuss and share, but also to share more professional health knowledge with you, so as to escort your health, thank you for your support.
"Do you think MSG really causes cancer?"
Chen Xiaoxu asked his friend Li Bo with a frown while playing with the napkin in his hand. Li Bo smiled slightly and shook his head, "I think this is just a rehash of the old saying, many people say so, but is there really a scientific basis?"
Chen Xiaoxu is an ordinary high school biology teacher, while Li Bo is a journalist working for a local television station. They often get together in their spare time to discuss various topics, and today's topic is whether the spices in the daily diet are harmful to health.
As the discussion failed, the two decided to go to Dr. Huang, a friend of Lee's friends, a well-known local expert. On the way to the hospital, Li Bo still said: "If Dr. Huang says that there is a real problem with MSG, I will have to think about changing the cooking habits at home." ”
When they arrived at the clinic, Dr. Huang listened to their doubts, smiled, put on a professional appearance, and said, "The MSG problem you are worried about has actually been widely agreed upon in the scientific community. The main ingredient of monosodium glutamate is monosodium glutamate, which is safe to use in moderation. But what you may not have noticed is that there are several other spices that should be used with more caution. ”
Dr. Huang continued, "The first thing to mention is salt. While salt is indispensable in any kitchen, excessive salt intake can lead to increased blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and adults should not consume more than 5 grams of salt per day. ”
"Then there are certain seasonings and sauces, which often contain high levels of additives and preservatives, and long-term overuse can be a burden on the liver and kidneys," he added. For example, some ready-to-eat sauces and meat cures may contain nitrates and nitrites, which can be converted into nitrosamines, a strong class of carcinogens, during high-temperature cooking. ”
Finally, Dr. Huang mentions a spice that many people overlook: "Then there are the heavy flavoring powders, such as chicken noodles and beef noodles. Although these products can quickly enhance the taste, they also contain a lot of MSG and food additives. They must be used in moderation, otherwise they may also cause health effects. ”
Chen Xiaoxu was quite surprised after hearing this, he originally thought that MSG would be the focus of the discussion, but he didn't expect it to be these three seemingly ordinary seasonings. Dr. Huang's words made him realize that many times, people's concerns about food safety may not be based on the most accurate scientific understanding.
The conversation continued in the clinic as Dr Huang produced some reports and data detailing how these spices can affect human health when used inappropriately. For example, the association between a high-salt diet and high blood pressure has been extensively epidemiologically demonstrated.
After the discussion, Chen Xiaoxu couldn't help but ask a question: "Then if I have family members with high blood pressure and diabetes, how should I adjust my usual cooking?"
Dr. Huang replied with a smile, "For families with such health problems, I recommend using natural spices such as ginger, garlic and coriander as much as possible to enhance the flavor, which can not only enhance the flavor of the food, but also help control blood sugar and improve cardiovascular health." In addition, reducing the frequency of processed foods and takeouts, and cooking your own food, allows for better control over the quality of food and the nutrients you consume. ”
With these suggestions in mind and a new plan, Chen decided to re-evaluate his family's cooking habits and consider healthier eating options when he returned home.
What do you think about seasonings?