Pig's trotters are a beloved food for many friends, especially some female friends, because they are rich in collagen protein and have relatively low fat content, so they are very good for fighting aging. However, some vendors are now selling toxic pig's trotters to consumers on the market, so we want to teach everyone some methods to buy delicious and healthy pig's trotters to enjoy.
The nutritional components of pig's trotters
Pig's trotters are nutritious and delicious. It is not only a common dish, but also a great tonic. According to analysis by food nutrition experts, every 100 grams of pig's trotters contains 15.8 grams of protein, 26.3 grams of fat, and 1.7 grams of carbohydrates. Pig's trotters also contain nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, and calcium, phosphorus, iron. Especially, after the protein in pig's trotters is hydrolyzed, the content of 11 amino acids such as cystine and arginine is comparable to that of bear's paw.
From a medical perspective, pig's trotters are also a versatile medicine. Pig's trotters are rich in collagen, which is a colloidal substance composed of large biological molecules and is the main protein component in tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. In the human body, collagen accounts for about one-third of the protein. If collagen synthesis is abnormal, it can cause "collagen diseases".
Chemical-soaked pig's trotters are harmful to the digestive system
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) is a processing aid and cannot be directly added to food as a food additive. Usually, the cells in meat products contain less water. After soaking in NaOH, the protein of the cell membrane denatures, the gap between the cell membranes increases, and the alkaline solution enters the cell. In order to achieve a balance between inside and outside, the cells automatically absorb a large amount of water, leading to a sharp increase in volume. If consumers eat foods containing strong alkali for a long time, it will cause certain irritation to the human digestive system and has the potential hazard of inducing cancer. Excessive consumption can even be life-threatening. Usually, after consumers buy such foods, they will wash them with tap water and then cook them; but this cannot ensure that all chemical residues on the food can be removed. Therefore, the potential hazard still exists.
How harmful are toxic pig's trotters to your health
Pig's trotters soaked in chemicals look good but are poisonous.
Hydrogen peroxide, also known as peroxide, is a colorless transparent liquid and a strong oxidizing agent. Its aqueous solution is suitable for disinfecting medical wounds, the environment, and food. High-concentration hydrogen peroxide is highly corrosive. Inhaling its vapor or mist is highly irritating to the respiratory tract. Direct contact of the liquid with the eyes can cause irreversible damage or even blindness. Oral poisoning can cause abdominal pain, chest pain, difficulty breathing, vomiting, transient motor and sensory disturbances, and fever. In individual cases, visual impairment, epileptic spasms, and paralysis may occur.
Caustic soda generally refers to sodium hydroxide. Accidental ingestion can cause burns to the digestive tract, mucosal erosion, bleeding, and shock.
Three tips to identify toxic pig's trotters
Look at the color and examine the trotter. Normal depilated pig's trotters should be light yellow, so if you see a very white and clean pig's trotter, you should be on alert. However, not all pig's trotters soaked in chemicals are white; some are reddish in color. Soaked pig's trotters are usually larger than untreated ones, so you should not just pick the largest ones when buying. People who have no concept of the size of a pig's trotter can observe the trotter itself. Soaked pig's trotters, because of their swelling, will have separated hooves, whereas untreated pig's trotters are the opposite, with hooves that are together.
Touch it, is it sticky? Pig's trotters soaked in chemicals feel sticky; untreated ones do not have this sticky feeling. Gently press on the pig's trotter with your hand; the soaked ones feel harder, while the untreated ones feel softer.
Get closer and smell the odor. Soaked pig's trotters have a faint chemical smell, which sometimes covers up the natural meaty smell of the pork. Untreated pig's trotters do not have a chemical smell.