Stinky tofu is a common street snack. Some people can't stand its smell, while others are very fond of it. So, do you know how stinky tofu is made? Do you know the potential harms of eating it? Today, I'll tell you about the 7 fatal harms of stinky tofu. Let's find out together!
1. Chemical methods leading to cancer
For instance, using ferrous sulfate can produce a black color, and when combined with other smelly substances, it becomes stinky tofu. This is extremely dangerous. Excessive iron is very harmful to the human liver, and its smelly substances may be formed from protein decomposition, so it is possible that it is carcinogenic.
2. Rot leading to cancer
The reason stinky tofu is smelly is undeniable; its odor comes from protein decomposition products - amines. These can react with nitrites to form nitrosamines, and I believe everyone knows that nitrosamines are strong carcinogens.
It is recommended that when eating stinky tofu, it's best to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. Fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, which can block the formation of nitrosamines.
Homemade Stinky Tofu
3. Poisonous bacteria damaging the nervous system
During the fermentation process of stinky tofu, a large amount of basic nitrogen is released. A toxic bacterium called "Clostridium botulinum" often multiplies in the stinky tofu during its production. Clostridium botulinum is a fatal bacterium that secretes toxins during its reproduction, which is one of the most potent protein toxins.
After people ingest and absorb this toxin, their nervous system will be damaged, and symptoms such as dizziness, difficulty breathing, and muscle weakness may appear.
4. Causing gastrointestinal diseases in humans
The fermentation process of stinky tofu is carried out under natural conditions and is easily contaminated by microorganisms. In addition, the early fermentation of stinky tofu uses Mucor mold species, and the later fermentation is susceptible to contamination by other bacteria, including pathogenic ones. Therefore, you should not eat too much stinky tofu at once to avoid causing gastrointestinal diseases.
5. Unhygienic conditions affecting health
Most stinky tofu nowadays is made with chemical dyes, stale water, sewage, and even feces. Unscrupulous operators first boil the tofu in water, add a black powder, and in a few minutes, the tofu turns purplish-black.
After drying, it is soaked in a bucket of black and smelly water to become smelly. This black water is made from snails, stale water, rotten meat, and dead flies, fermented and sealed until maggots grow, producing a pungent odor. If it's not smelly enough, a little more fecal water is added to increase the smell.
6. Molding causing stomach problems
Stinky tofu is itself a moldy food. People with poor stomachs should try to avoid eating it, as it can easily cause stomach pain, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
7. External processing methods causing cancer
That fried stinky tofu, their oil is reused many times without being changed, containing a large amount of carcinogenic substances. Therefore, for the sake of your health, it is recommended to eat less of it.
Homemade stinky tofu