Health Reminder: What Not to Order with Alcohol
Introduction: Not only does grilling food lead to a loss of nutrients like fat and protein, it also easily produces carcinogens. Alcohol dilates blood vessels in the digestive tract and damages the mucous membrane, making it easier for the body to absorb these carcinogenic substances. In addition, the following foods should also be avoided when consuming alcohol.
Cured Sausages and Preserved Meat
Having a bite of preserved meat followed by a sip of baijiu may have a lasting flavor, but it hides health risks. Smoked, cured, and pickled foods contain a significant amount of nitrosamines. The solubility of nitrosamines in alcohol is high, which increases the risk of developing esophageal and stomach cancer.
Grilled Meat and Skewers
While a few skewers and some beers might seem like a fun combination, it is harmful to your body. Grilling food not only results in a loss of nutritional components like fat and protein but also easily produces carcinogens. Alcohol expands the blood vessels in the digestive tract and damages the mucous membrane, facilitating the absorption of these carcinogens by the body.
Cold Noodles and Jelly Sheets
Tangy, spicy, and smooth cold noodles and jelly sheets are also popular choices to go with alcohol. However, Fu Jinru, an honorary director of the Tianjin Nutrition Society, explains that alum is added during the processing of these foods. Alum has an astringent effect that slows blood flow and prolongs the time alcohol stays in the bloodstream, increasing the harm to health. Furthermore, both alum and alcohol need to be detoxified by the liver, so consuming them together加重 the liver's burden.
Raw Fish Sashimi
Raw fish sashimi, drunken shrimp, and other raw and cold seafood are major taboos when drinking alcohol. This is because fish and shellfish contain thiaminase, an enzyme that breaks down and destroys vitamin B1. Thiaminase is only inactivated at temperatures of 60°C, so regularly consuming raw fish and shellfish can easily lead to a vitamin B1 deficiency. Alcohol also hinders the small intestine's absorption of vitamin B1. Therefore, consuming large amounts of alcohol while eating raw seafood can exacerbate the problem of vitamin B1 deficiency.