Stop reheating these foods now—dietitian warns it could be dangerous!
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Reheating leftovers is convenient but a dietitian warns about the risks with certain foods. It's important to know which foods are safe to reheat to avoid potential health issues.
Let’s explore how to enjoy your meals safely.
The act of reheating food is something most of us do without a second thought.
Yet, according to dietitian Harini Bala, who shared her expertise with her social media followers, there are compelling reasons to exercise caution.
The two primary concerns are the chemical changes that occur in certain foods when reheated and the risk of bacteria that can withstand the heat and cause illness.
The first food on the dietitian's list is spinach. This leafy green is packed with nutrients, but it harbors a secret: oxalic acid.
While harmless in its raw or initially cooked state, once reheated, oxalic acid can crystallize and become toxic, potentially increasing the risk of kidney stones.
Spinach also contains nitrates, which can transform into harmful nitrites upon reheating, possibly leading to the development of bowel tumors.
Moreover, spinach is susceptible to listeria infestations, a bacteria responsible for severe foodborne illnesses.
Symptoms can range from fever and flu-like symptoms to more severe reactions like confusion and seizures. Proper heating is crucial to kill the bacteria, but reheating may not be enough.
The next item to approach with caution is tea.
While it may seem harmless to reheat a cup of tea, doing so can not only make it bitter due to increased tannins but also reactivate dormant bacteria, posing a health risk.
Rice, a staple in many diets, is perhaps the most surprising and riskiest food to reheat.
Bacillus cereus, a bacteria found in soil and vegetables, can survive in cooked rice that has been cooled.
These spores are heat-resistant, meaning that reheating the rice won't necessarily eliminate the danger.
Illness from Bacillus cereus can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
A chilling reminder of these risks surfaced in a story about a young man who died from “fried rice syndrome” after eating reheated spaghetti that had been left out for days.
The culprit? Bacillus cereus, which led to liver necrosis and organ failure.
While these warnings may be alarming, there are steps you can take to reduce the risks:
1. Store cooked rice in the fridge within two hours of cooking, in an airtight container.
2. Only reheat rice once, ensuring it's piping hot throughout before consuming.
3. Avoid leaving cooked food at room temperature for extended periods.
4. Consume leftovers within a day or two to minimize bacterial growth.
5. When in doubt, throw it out. It's better to be safe than sorry.
By following safe food handling practices and exploring alternative ways to enjoy leftovers, you can continue to relish the convenience they offer without compromising your well-being.
Have you ever had a bad reaction to reheated food? Do you have any tips for safely enjoying leftovers? Share with us your experiences and tips in the comments below.
Let’s explore how to enjoy your meals safely.
The act of reheating food is something most of us do without a second thought.
Yet, according to dietitian Harini Bala, who shared her expertise with her social media followers, there are compelling reasons to exercise caution.
The two primary concerns are the chemical changes that occur in certain foods when reheated and the risk of bacteria that can withstand the heat and cause illness.
Spinach, when reheated, can cause the release of toxic oxalic acid and convert nitrates to harmful nitrites. Image source: Lisa Fotios/Pexels.
The first food on the dietitian's list is spinach. This leafy green is packed with nutrients, but it harbors a secret: oxalic acid.
While harmless in its raw or initially cooked state, once reheated, oxalic acid can crystallize and become toxic, potentially increasing the risk of kidney stones.
Spinach also contains nitrates, which can transform into harmful nitrites upon reheating, possibly leading to the development of bowel tumors.
Moreover, spinach is susceptible to listeria infestations, a bacteria responsible for severe foodborne illnesses.
Symptoms can range from fever and flu-like symptoms to more severe reactions like confusion and seizures. Proper heating is crucial to kill the bacteria, but reheating may not be enough.
The next item to approach with caution is tea.
While it may seem harmless to reheat a cup of tea, doing so can not only make it bitter due to increased tannins but also reactivate dormant bacteria, posing a health risk.
Rice, a staple in many diets, is perhaps the most surprising and riskiest food to reheat.
Bacillus cereus, a bacteria found in soil and vegetables, can survive in cooked rice that has been cooled.
These spores are heat-resistant, meaning that reheating the rice won't necessarily eliminate the danger.
Illness from Bacillus cereus can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
A chilling reminder of these risks surfaced in a story about a young man who died from “fried rice syndrome” after eating reheated spaghetti that had been left out for days.
The culprit? Bacillus cereus, which led to liver necrosis and organ failure.
While these warnings may be alarming, there are steps you can take to reduce the risks:
2. Only reheat rice once, ensuring it's piping hot throughout before consuming.
3. Avoid leaving cooked food at room temperature for extended periods.
4. Consume leftovers within a day or two to minimize bacterial growth.
5. When in doubt, throw it out. It's better to be safe than sorry.
By following safe food handling practices and exploring alternative ways to enjoy leftovers, you can continue to relish the convenience they offer without compromising your well-being.
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