Onions and garlic may sprout or spoil
Onions and garlic that have sprouted may contain higher levels of aflatoxin, which can not only affect the taste but also be harmful to health.
Dried onions and garlic that are stored under normal conditions away from water can be stored and consumed gradually. However, if they come into contact with steam, some parts on the surface will turn into black and should not be purchased for consumption.
Potatoes with spots or turning green
Cracked or spoiled potatoes can be contaminated with bacteria and can be harmful to the body.
Potatoes that have sprouted or have a green color are very toxic if cooked into dishes because the sprouts contain solanine, a bitter and toxic glyco-alkaloid.
Yellowing vegetables
Sometimes, when you go to the market, you will be invited by sellers to buy some withered vegetables, which are sold at a very cheap price. Although it saves costs, withered vegetables usually lose their taste and retain less nutrients.
Moreover, many sellers even admit that they never dare to eat these vegetables and only sell them to customers.
Fruits and vegetables adulterated with chemicals
Green vegetables and fruits are often encouraged to be included in daily diets by health experts. However, one should be cautious of fruits and green vegetables that have been “bathed” in plant protection chemicals (pesticides), growth-stimulating chemicals, or dangerous preservatives.
Most of these chemicals are toxic and are prohibited for use in the cultivation of vegetables and fruits due to their harmful effects on human health, including the increased risk of cancer.
Pickled vegetables, pickled eggplants, compressed onions… are common dishes in Vietnamese meals. This is not only a habit but also because these dishes add diversity, stimulate appetite, and relieve thirst very well.
However, to make pickled dishes, we have to use a lot of salt. During the pickling or fermentation process, nitrites will be formed. These are dangerous components in the “blacklist” that can cause liver cancer and other internal organs.
Peeled corn kernels
According to nutrition experts, corn is a “longevity food” with many benefits for the body, especially the high content of cellulose in corn, which can activate the digestive system.
However, when shopping, if you want to buy delicious and nutritious corn, you should choose corn with intact green husks. The cob’s stem should still be fresh for a sweet taste when eaten.
On the other hand, peeled corn kernels may be old corn, young corn treated with chemicals for attractive colors or artificial sweeteners.
In addition, moldy corn kernels should not be bought. Mycotoxins are found in corn, especially species like Aspergillus (particularly A. flavus), Fusarium, and Penicillium, which can cause cancer, affecting the liver, kidneys, and even death.
