Be Alert! Carcinogens Entering Through the Mouth
Introduction: Many diseases are caused by improper diet, and some carcinogens enter our bodies in the same way. Therefore, be wary of carcinogens that enter through the mouth. Below is a list of 11 common diet-related carcinogens in daily life. Be careful!
1. The rotten part of fruit:
After fruit rots, microorganisms produce various harmful substances during their metabolism, especially with the accelerated growth of fungi. Some fungi are carcinogenic and can spread from the rotten part to the unrotten part through the fruit juice. Therefore, even if the rotten part is removed, the remaining fruit should not be eaten.
2. Moldy rice, peanuts, and corn:
These contain aflatoxin, which is currently recognized worldwide as a potent carcinogen that can easily cause liver and esophageal cancer. Some people think that washing several times or high-temperature disinfection can remove the toxic substances. In fact, once aflatoxin contaminates food, it is very difficult to completely remove it.
3. Rotten cabbage:
Both rotten and improperly pickled cabbage contain carcinogenic nitrites.
4. Barbecued food:
All barbecued foods are prone to a substance with very strong carcinogenic properties—benzopyrene, which is the same substance produced when oil is reused in fried foods.
5. Burnt fish and meat:
The incomplete combustion of fat in fish and meat produces a large amount of V-methyl derivatives, which are carcinogens whose potency exceeds that of aflatoxin.
6. Tea scale:
Tea scale contains various harmful metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic, as well as certain carcinogens like nitrites, which can lead to diseases in the kidneys, liver, stomach, and intestines.
7. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) in alkaline food:
MSG turns into disodium glutamate when it encounters alkaline food, causing it to lose its umami flavor. When heated to 120°C, it becomes a carcinogenic substance, sodium pyroglutamate. Therefore, MSG should not be added to foods containing baking soda or alkali. When making soups or dishes, MSG should be added just before serving to avoid prolonged cooking.
8. Fruits wiped with toilet paper or towels:
The disinfection of many types of toilet paper is incomplete, carrying E. coli, pathogenic pyogenic bacteria, fungi, hepatitis B virus, and other substances that can affect health.
9. Food wrapped in newspaper:
Oil ink contains a toxic substance called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), whose chemical structure is similar to that of pesticides. If food is wrapped in newspaper, the ink will seep into the food and then enter the human body. When the amount of PCBs stored in the human body reaches 0.5 to 2 grams, it can cause poisoning. Mild symptoms include red and swollen eyelids, sweaty palms, and a red rash all over the body. Severe symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abnormal liver function, muscle aches, persistent coughing, and even death.
10. Paint on chopsticks:
The use of painted chopsticks is still very common, but many people don't know that these paints contain chemical substances such as lead and benzene. These substances are often ingested as the paint peels off, causing certain health hazards.
11. Toxic substances on tablecloths:
Many restaurants use thin plastic tablecloths made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which contain toxic free radicals. These can enter the body through tableware and food, leading to chronic poisoning. Therefore, when dining out, do not place chopsticks directly on a tabletop covered with plastic film.