Pickles and pickles, which are familiar to everyone, are indispensable side dishes on the table of many families. Although there are some differences in taste between the north and the south, pickles have always been loved by the masses.
Especially the parents of the older generation in the north love pickles, in winter, the price of fresh vegetables is high, people in order to save the favorite pickles, and even a car to buy cabbage to pickle, and then there is pickles taste good, greasy appetizers.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing discussion about the possible health risks posed by these traditional cuisines. "Do pickles and pickles really increase the risk of cancer?" has caused a lot of discussion, so let's explore it together!
In fact, certain chemicals in preserved foods, especially nitrites, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
01
Pickles and pickles contain nitrites, which can cause cancer if you eat too much?
Pickles and pickles are foods that are made by using the preservation technique of salt, a process that not only extends the shelf life of the food but also helps to enhance the taste of the food. During the curing process, salt helps inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms in the food while promoting the activity of beneficial bacteria, which produce nitrite during metabolism.
Pickles are high in salt and nitrite, which may increase the risk of stomach cancer because:
1. High-salt diet:
It has certain damage to blood pressure and gastric mucosa, increasing the risk of hypertension and stomach cancer.
2. Nitrite:
Consuming large amounts of highly salted foods such as pickles for a long time increases the likelihood of stomach cancer because they interact with proteins in the stomach to produce nitrosamines, carcinogens.
Although nitrite has a potential health risk, the actual level of harm in food is related to intake. Studies have shown that moderate intake of properly processed preserved foods is associated with relatively low health risks.
02
Daily intake of pickles, pickles
According to studies, moderate consumption of preserved foods (e.g., no more than 50 grams 2-3 times a week) does not significantly increase the risk of most cancer types. However, when daily intake exceeds this standard, nitrite may be converted in the body to nitrosamines, a known carcinogen, especially associated with cancers of the digestive tract.
Therefore, eating some pickles in moderation will not affect the body, but if you consume too much nitrite, it will increase the risk of disease. Therefore, friends who love pickles should pay attention, and everything should be stopped in moderation!
03
Eat pickles healthily, pay attention to these 5 points
1. Leave the pickles for about a month before eating
In reality, many friends will choose pickles. Some of them may be tempted to eat pickles, but this may result in excessive intake of nitrite.
After a month, it was observed that the nitrite concentration in the pickles had decreased and almost completely dissipated.
By a month's time, the amount of damage that nitrite can cause to the body has been greatly reduced when eating pickles.
2. Be sure to cut down on salt when eating pickles
Pickles are relatively salty, and the main purpose is to avoid the pickles from spoiling. However, if we eat pickles with such a high salt content, it will definitely harm our health. Therefore, we should reduce the amount of salt in pickles.
When eating pickled vegetables, make sure to reduce the amount of salt added to other foods and dishes, or take out the pickles beforehand, soak them in clean water for a period of time and rinse them several times, so as to reduce the salt content and remove excess salt.
3. Eat pickled vegetables with fresh fruits and vegetables
Studies have shown that foods such as garlic, tea, and vitamin C have detoxifying powers. They help inhibit the conversion process of nitrite to nitrosamines, which helps to reduce the likelihood of cancer.
Therefore, when consuming pickled vegetables, consider pairing them with some of the above-mentioned foods along with fresh vegetables and fruits.
4. You can use pickles instead of salt for stir-frying
If you really want to eat pickles, you can add some of your favorite pickles to the stir-fry, so you don't need to add extra salt.
4. Eat pickles in moderation
Control the amount and frequency of each consumption, e.g. no more than twice a week and no more than 50 grams each time.
Through these practical suggestions, people who love pickles can enjoy the unique flavor of pickles and pickles while effectively controlling health risks.
Write at the end
Scientific eating habits are the key to maintaining long-term health. If you like to eat pickles, you can eat some appropriately, but if you want to be healthy, you should pay attention to the nutritional combination and hygiene of the food. We can also eat more vegetables and fruits rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, while adhering to moderate exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which can effectively prevent many chronic diseases and make the body healthier.