Many people have misconceptions about eating hot pot, which can lead to various diseases such as oral and gastrointestinal issues. Let's take a look at which foods to eat less of when enjoying hot pot.
1. Eat less undercooked food
Many diners, in the pursuit of a fresh taste, like to eat meat slices, lettuce, etc., after just a quick dip. This is not a good practice. Currently, the production of livestock, poultry, and vegetables in the country is mostly done by small-scale individual farmers and growers, and the level of food safety is not very high. As a result, fresh food served on the table often contains residual pathogenic microorganisms and parasite eggs. If you eat it after a quick dip, the likelihood of harmful microorganisms entering the body is very high. It is recommended that people should sacrifice some texture to ensure the food is thoroughly cooked before eating.
2. Eat less scalding hot food
After winter arrives each year, the number of patients with oral diseases increases by more than 15% compared to other seasons, which is related to scalding of the oral mucosa by hot food. The temperature of hot pot broth can usually reach 120°C, and eating it immediately after taking it out can easily scald the mouth, esophagus, and stomach lining. For people who already have mouth sores, the chance of recurrence can be several times higher after eating hot pot. Those with oral leukoplakia or lichen planus may find their condition worsens more easily after eating hot pot. Therefore, one must not be impatient when eating hot pot; it is best to let the food cool in a bowl for a moment before eating.
3. Drink less old broth
When drinking hot pot soup, it's best to do it early. Otherwise, the longer the food has been simmered, the higher the content of harmful residues in the soup, such as nitrites. Hot pot broth contains a high amount of sodium salt, so people with kidney disease and hypertension should consume less. Condiments (such as satay sauce, chili sauce, etc.) can be irritating, so those with gastrointestinal problems should use them sparingly. Hot pot ingredients like meatballs contain a lot of oil, so patients with diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia should eat less.
4. Eat less offal
On the hot pot table, foods like livestock and poultry offal are quite common, but this eating habit is not beneficial to health. With the application of pesticides, fertilizers, and additives in food production, animal organs, as metabolic organs, often become "filters" and "storage" for these harmful substances. The liver and lungs, in particular, have the highest levels of residual pathogens and drugs.
5. Eat less high-purine food
In addition to factors like constitution and fatigue, gout is more likely to occur with more frequent hot pot meals. This is related to eating foods high in purine substances, such as seafood, animal offal, and mushrooms. Some people mistakenly believe that "not eating meat and only drinking the broth" is a better option. In fact, purines dissolve thoroughly into the broth, which is also a reason why gout is more prevalent during the popular seasons for various hot pots and casseroles.