Processed Foods
Convenience often wins when it comes to breakfast choices, and many opt for processed meats like bacon, ham, and sausages. While these foods are quick and tasty, they are also loaded with nitrites. Nitrites are used to give these meats their pink color, extend their shelf life, and make them juicier.
However, when nitrites enter our bodies, they can combine with protein-breaking-down agents in our stomachs to form nitrosamines, which are known to increase the risk of UT [unclear abbreviation]. Therefore, it is best to minimize the consumption of processed meats in the morning.
Deep-fried Foods
Crispy, golden, and convenient – deep-fried foods like French fries, fried chicken, and breaded meats are a common breakfast choice, especially for children. However, these dishes are typically very high in fat. Regular consumption can lead to weight gain, obesity, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular issues over time.
Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies these foods as Group 2A carcinogens, indicating they are “probably carcinogenic to humans.” This classification puts them in the same category as red meat, a known cancer risk.
Salted Fish
Salted, cured, and dried fish are inexpensive and tasty, making them a popular breakfast choice with rice. However, regularly consuming these fish products can increase the risk of throat cancer. This is because salted fish often contains high levels of nitrites, which, when combined with stomach acids, form nitrosamines, a known carcinogen.
If you’re a fan of salted fish for breakfast, it’s important to make a change and explore healthier alternatives.
Consuming Very Hot Foods
While some believe that eating very hot foods in the morning is beneficial, this practice can actually be harmful to your health. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that consuming extremely hot foods can increase the risk of cancer in the esophagus, mouth, and throat. The high temperatures can cause thermal damage to these sensitive areas.
Additionally, eating very hot foods can also harm your intestines. It’s best to allow your food to cool down to a comfortable temperature, around 40-50 degrees Celsius, before consuming it.
Pickled Vegetables with Rice
While eating rice for breakfast can be a filling and economical choice, pairing it with pickled vegetables like cucumbers and cabbage can be detrimental to your health. These pickled vegetables are not only high in salt but also tend to produce high levels of nitrites during the fermentation process.
The excessive salt content can also be harmful to your kidneys. If you’re used to having pickled vegetables with your morning rice, it’s time to make a change and explore healthier options.
