Leftovers are common, and there are many rumors about them online, claiming that frequent consumption can lead to cancer because they contain nitrites! So, can this substance really cause cancer?
Do the nitrites in leftovers really cause cancer?
The nitrites in leftovers do not cause cancer as claimed online. This is because when humans consume food containing this substance, it is converted into nitrosamines by stomach acid, and this substance is the key to carcinogenicity. Therefore, the claim that nitrites cause cancer is incorrect.
Can the conversion of nitrites to nitrosamines cause cancer?
Even if humans consume food containing nitrites, and it is converted into the carcinogenic nitrosamine, it is not easy to cause cancer. This is mainly related to the amount consumed.
How much nitrite is normally found in leftovers?
Normal leftovers generally contain nitrite levels that increase from 3 mg/kg to 7 mg/kg. This level is far from being able to produce the amount of carcinogenic nitrosamine, as it is much lower than the carcinogenic standard value.
Leftovers can be eaten normally
Based on the above, daily leftovers can be eaten without worrying. There is no need to fear the generation of nitrosamines causing cancer from the nitrites in the food, because the amount of nitrite is not enough to cause significant harm to the human body. So, don't believe the various rumors about nitrites circulating online!
It's still best to eat fewer leftovers
Although leftovers do not cause cancer, it is still not advisable to eat them frequently. This is not only because they contain nitrites, but also because they contain numerous bacteria, which can harm human health.
The effects of leftovers on the human body
Causing intestinal diseases; After a night, leftovers will produce many bacteria. These bacteria decompose and generate a certain amount of toxins, thereby harming intestinal health.
Easy to cause poisoning; Food poisoning often occurs in leftovers. This is because such food contains a relatively high amount of nitrite, and it is easy to spoil overnight, producing harmful substances, which can lead to poisoning.
Try not to eat overnight food
Do not eat overnight food. It is recommended to cook an appropriate amount of food each day. Only by eating fresh food can you become healthier and reduce the incidence of disease. In addition, reheating leftovers is also important. They must be heated thoroughly, otherwise it can also cause gastrointestinal discomfort, especially for meat dishes.
Nitrites can form carcinogenic substances under specific conditions, but the amount of nitrite in normally consumed leftovers is not enough to produce a carcinogenic amount of nitrosamine. Therefore, the claim online that leftovers cause cancer is not true.