Disclaimer: The content of the article is for reference only, the storyline is purely fictional, intended to popularize health knowledge, if you feel unwell, please seek medical attention offline.
Aunt Zhang has been restless lately. In the past, her favorite soft and fragrant steamed bun has now become a "time bomb" that makes her nervous.
It all started with the words of Aunt Wang, a neighbor a few days ago. That day, Aunt Zhang was watering the flowers in the community garden, and Aunt Wang hurriedly ran over and said with a panicked expression: "Auntie, do you know? I just saw on the internet that yeast can cause cancer! The steamed bread and bread we usually eat are fermented with yeast! What can I do? "
Aunt Zhang was stunned when she heard this. She remembered that she still had half a bag of yeast powder in the refrigerator at home, which she used to make pasta on weekdays. Could it be that I have been using this "carcinogen" to cook for the whole family? For a while, Aunt Zhang fell into deep self-blame and panic.
After returning home, Aunt Zhang was restless and hurriedly turned on her mobile phone to search for relevant information. Sure enough, the Internet is full of posts about "yeast causes cancer". Some people say that yeast can cause an imbalance in the intestinal flora and cause bowel cancer; Some people also say that yeast will reduce the body's immunity and increase the risk of cancer. These remarks made Aunt Zhang more and more worried.
Just when Aunt Zhang was at a loss, she thought of her son, Dr. Li. Dr. Li works in the gastroenterology department of a tertiary hospital in the city, so he should be very interested in this aspect. Aunt Zhang immediately called her son and told him everything about her worries and the information she saw on the Internet.
Dr. Li on the other end of the phone couldn't help but laugh dumbly after listening to his mother's account. He said gently, "Mom, don't worry. These are rumors and have no scientific basis. Not only is yeast not carcinogenic, but it has many benefits for human health. "
Hearing her son's affirmative answer, Aunt Zhang's hanging heart relaxed slightly, but she was still a little skeptical. She asked: "But what is said on the Internet has a nose and eyes, how can it be a rumor?" "
Dr. Li patiently explained, "Mom, you must know that the information on the Internet is uneven, and you can't trust all of it. Let me tell you more about yeast. "
Dr. Lee began to tell the story. He began by introducing the basic concept of yeast. Yeast is a single-celled fungus that is widely found in nature. It is not only an important raw material for fermented foods such as bread and beer, but also widely used in medicine, chemical industry and other fields. In food processing, yeast is mainly used for fermentation, which can make the dough expand and produce a characteristic aroma.
"Is it true that yeast can cause an imbalance in the intestinal flora?" Aunt Zhang asked.
Dr Lee explains, "On the contrary, yeast has a positive effect on maintaining gut health. Yeast is rich in B vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, which are 'food' for beneficial bacteria. Moderate consumption of yeast-containing foods can promote the balance of intestinal flora. "
Hearing this, Aunt Zhang breathed a sigh of relief, but then remembered another question: "Will yeast reduce human immunity?" "
Dr. Li shook his head and said, "This statement is also wrong. In fact, yeast contains polysaccharides such as β-glucan, which have an immune-boosting effect. Scientific studies have shown that moderate consumption of yeast or yeast-containing foods can improve the body's immune function. "
Aunt Zhang nodded thoughtfully, but still had some doubts: "Then why do some people say that yeast causes cancer?" Is there some misunderstanding? "
Dr. Lee explains, "This may stem from people's confusion about yeast and yeast. Yeast is a conditionally pathogenic bacterium that can cause infections when the body's immunity is low. But the yeast we consume every day is processed and does not cause infection. Moreover, even live yeast does not cause cancer under normal circumstances. "
To help her mother understand better, Dr. Lee gave an example: "It's like the yogurt we often eat, which contains a lot of lactic acid bacteria. Lactobacillus bacteria are good for gut health, but they can also cause discomfort if consumed in large quantities by people with particularly weakened immunity. This does not mean that lactic acid bacteria are harmful, the key is to consume them wisely. "
Aunt Zhang nodded again and again when she heard this, but she was still a little worried: "Then is there anything we need to pay attention to in our daily use of yeast?" "
Dr. Lee replied, "There are a few things to keep in mind when using yeast: First, look for products made by regular manufacturers and don't buy yeast from unknown sources. Secondly, keep it dry and protected from light when storing, and it is best to keep it in the refrigerator. In addition, it should be added according to the recommended dosage when using, and excessive use may affect the taste of the food. Finally, if you have a special disease or are in a special menstrual period, it is best to consult a doctor. "
After listening to her son's detailed explanation, Aunt Zhang's hanging heart finally let go completely. She sighed: "I'm glad I asked you, otherwise I would have thrown away all the yeast at home." "
Dr. Li smiled and said, "Mom, you usually pay more attention to some authoritative health information platforms, such as the official websites of the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention and major hospitals. If you encounter unsure information, you can also ask me at any time. "
Aunt Zhang nodded again and again, secretly glad that she had a son who studied medicine. She remembered that Aunt Wang was still worried about this, so she said, "Then I have to tell Aunt Wang quickly, don't let her worry about it." "
"Yes, you can spread the right information to the people around you, so that more people are not misled by rumors," agrees. "
After hanging up the phone, Aunt Zhang immediately called Aunt Wang and told her everything she had just learned. Aunt Wang was relieved after hearing this, and thanked her repeatedly.
Early the next morning, Aunt Zhang got up and prepared to make some fragrant steamed buns. Watching the dough slowly expand under the action of yeast, her heart was filled with a sense of security and happiness. She secretly made up her mind that in the future, she must learn more scientific knowledge, not believe rumors, and spread correct information to more people.
As the fragrance of steamed buns spread in the kitchen, Aunt Zhang showed a relieved smile on her face. She knew that it wasn't just a delicious breakfast, it was a battle between science and rumors, and science eventually triumphed over rumors.
What do you think about this? We sincerely invite you to discuss in the comment area!
Bibliography:
1. Chinese Nutrition Society. Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022). People's Medical Publishing House, 2022.
2. Chinese Society of Gastroenterology. Consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of functional gastroenterology (2020, Shanghai). Chinese Journal of Digestion, 2021, 41(5): 279-314.
3. National Health Commission. National food safety standard for the use of food additives (GB 2760-2014). Standards Press of China, 2015.
4. Chinese Society of Food Science and Technology. Fermented Food Science and Technology. China Light Industry Press, 2019.