There are not many vegetables that can grow in winter. However, with the popularization and promotion of greenhouses, fruits and vegetables have also broken the shackles of the seasons and can grow healthily. Of course, in terms of price, fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally more expensive. In winter, eating the following foods is highly likely to cause food poisoning, so everyone must be on high alert.
1. Greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables
Plants grown in greenhouses require a large amount of pesticides. In addition, the cold winter weather prevents plants from fully absorbing pesticides during photosynthesis. Therefore, inadequate washing can lead to pesticide poisoning when eating fruits and vegetables in winter.
2. Rotten Chinese cabbage
The leaves of Chinese cabbage contain a relatively high amount of nitrates, which increases significantly after rotting. If consumed in large quantities, these nitrates are converted into nitrites by intestinal bacteria, leading to poisoning. The main symptoms include dizziness and vomiting. In severe cases, there may be difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure. To prevent poisoning, avoid storing vegetables in high temperatures for extended periods.
3. Raw soy milk
It contains a toxic trypsin inhibitor, which can easily cause poisoning after consumption. Therefore, soy milk must be thoroughly cooked before drinking. It should be noted that after heating soy milk for a certain period, foam will appear, but this does not mean it is fully cooked. It should be heated for another 5-10 minutes until the foam disappears before it can be consumed.
4. Sprouted or immature potatoes
They contain a toxic substance called solanine, which can easily cause poisoning after ingestion. In winter, potatoes should be stored in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. A small amount of vinegar can be added during cooking to help destroy the toxins.
5. Moldy sugarcane
It is highly toxic. Symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, headache, and vision impairment appear 2-8 hours after ingestion. In severe cases, it can lead to coma, respiratory failure, and a fatality rate and rate of sequelae of 50%. Currently, there is no effective treatment.
If symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, and headache, which are suspected to be food poisoning, appear, it is crucial to seek medical treatment as quickly as possible. On the way to the hospital, the patient can be induced to vomit to reduce the amount of toxin absorbed. However, it is essential to remember that individuals who are unconscious or have impaired consciousness must not be induced to vomit, as it may cause the vomit to obstruct the airway.