When eating peanuts or melon seeds, what would you do if you encounter a bitter one? Many people would spit it out and continue eating, while others don't think much of it. In fact, both of the above approaches are wrong!
Decayed nuts may contain a dangerous toxin—aflatoxin. Generally, if the level of aflatoxin in the body reaches 1 mg/kg or more, it can induce cancer, which is equivalent to just a sesame seed-sized amount of aflatoxin in one ton of grain. Experts also point out that if aflatoxin is not consumed continuously, it generally does not accumulate in the body, so there's no need to worry about occasionally eating a few moldy peanuts, but consumption should be avoided as much as possible. Besides moldy nuts, what other types of nuts pose health risks?
Those with a rancid smell.
Nuts contain a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids. Improper storage or prolonged storage can lead to rancidity, resulting in the "rancid" smell we often talk about, along with a pungent, spicy taste that irritates the throat. The products of oil rancidity in nuts, such as small molecular aldehydes and ketones, pose a threat to health; if consumed in large quantities, it can cause mild diarrhea, and in severe cases, may lead to liver disease.
Nut vendors are generally reluctant to discard spoiled nuts, and the best way to mask the "rancid" smell is to add large amounts of salt, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, saccharin, essence, and other flavorings during processing. Therefore, spoiled nuts are often hidden among salted, five-spice, or cream-flavored nuts. In comparison, the quality of plain or lightly roasted nuts is generally better.
Moldy ones.
Many nuts are easily contaminated by *Aspergillus flavus* and become moldy, producing a highly toxic aflatoxin that can cause fever, vomiting, liver damage, cancer, and even be life-threatening. Therefore, moldy nuts must not be eaten. If you find a bitter, moldy, or spicy taste in your mouth, spit it out immediately and rinse your mouth promptly.
Roasted until burnt.
Nuts contain large amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, which ordinary heating is not enough to destroy. However, when nuts are roasted until burnt, the temperature is already above 200°C. At this point, the originally beneficial nutrients begin to partially convert into carcinogenic substances such as benzopyrene, heterocyclic amines, and acrylamide. Therefore, burnt nuts should not be eaten.
Those "beautified" with paraffin.
Adding paraffin when processing nuts can make the product look fresher and more appealing, and it also prevents them from becoming damp and soft. Some vendors add paraffin to long-accumulated, poorly colored nuts to "beautify" them and pass off inferior products as good. The industrial paraffin used by vendors often has low purity and contains impurities like heavy metals, which are harmful to health.
If you see nuts with an unusually shiny and smooth exterior, much "prettier" than ordinary nuts, they have likely been treated with paraffin.
Those with a very strong flavor.
First, the stronger the flavor, the more salt is often added. Second, many heavily flavored and strongly aromatic nuts have added flavorings, saccharin, and other substances during processing. Cream-flavored nuts also often contain artificial cream, which are not good for your health. Finally, the stronger the flavor of a nut, the greater the possibility that it is spoiled hidden behind the taste.
First, the stronger the flavor, the more salt is often added.
Those covered in dust.
Responsible vendors pay attention to the cleanliness of nut raw materials and the dust-proofing of their products. However, on the market, it's not uncommon to find products with a lot of dust and other impurities in the raw materials, and no dust protection during sales.
8 Things to Note When Eating Nuts
Note 1: Eat fewer nuts when you have diarrhea.
Note 2: Eat fewer roasted nuts when you have "heatiness" (a concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine, often referring to symptoms like sore throat, mouth sores, etc.).
Note 3: Do not eat nuts before bed, as it increases the burden on the digestive system and affects sleep.
Note 4: Do not eat more than a small handful a day, as they are high in calories and fat.
Note 5: Children under 3 should try to avoid eating nuts.
Note 6: Try to choose plain or lightly roasted nuts to prevent vendors from passing off inferior products by masking them with strong seasonings.
Note 7: When trying a new type of nut for the first time, eat a small amount first to avoid allergies.
Note 8: It is best to store them in a sealed container. Nuts are susceptible to moisture and oxidation. If you can't finish them in a short time, store them in a sealed container in a cool, dry place, or freeze them in an airtight bag in the freezer to reduce their contact with air and moisture.