Betel Nut
Betel nut is not only a snack for some people, but it can also be used as a medicinal herb in traditional Eastern medicine. When consumed properly, it can promote bowel movement, improve digestion, positively affect the liver, stomach, and help eliminate accumulated food.
However, the core of the betel nut is believed to contain a substance that can stimulate the growth of K cells as it contains arecoline. This is a type of alkaloid that can cause irritation and may lead to K. Chewing betel nut for a long time can allow arecoline to enter the mouth and digestive system, causing cellular gene mutations.
In addition, betel nut also contains other substances such as polyphenols, tannins, and heavy metals, which can have negative effects on health.
Note that the risk of developing K from chewing betel nut is associated with long-term and large-scale chewing. Occasionally consuming betel nut will not pose a high risk of developing K.
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Red-core Sugarcane
Sugarcane contains a lot of fiber, vitamin C, and has digestive and immune-boosting properties. It has a sweet and delicious taste, containing a lot of water and glucose. Sugarcane is not only used as a snack but can also be processed into various dishes.
You should be aware that if the transportation process, preservation methods, and environmental conditions are not good, sugarcane can be attacked by mold and produce a large amount of harmful toxins to health.
When the sugarcane has a red core, a soft texture, even with mold and a foul smell, you should not use it. Red-core sugarcane is usually caused by the arthrospora fungus. It produces 3-nitropropionic acid. Just 0.5 grams of this substance can cause toxicity in adults. Furthermore, it is also one of the factors that stimulate the formation of cancer cells. When consumed in small amounts, you may not immediately experience toxicity symptoms, but using red-core sugarcane for a long time can lead to the development of diseases.
Moldy Fruits
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Fruits are prone to mold if not properly stored, especially in a humid and hot climate. Moldy fruits not only change in taste but can also contain a large amount of aflatoxin. This is a highly carcinogenic substance. Ingesting this substance for a long period can lead to liver cancer, kidney cancer, and many other dangerous diseases.
Therefore, you need to carefully check fruits before consuming them. If you see signs of mold, it is best to discard them. Many people often cut off the damaged part of the fruit and eat the remaining healthy part. However, once mold appears, it may have spread throughout the entire fruit, which may not be visible to the naked eye.
1. Refined Carbohydrates: White bread, pastries, doughnuts, and other refined flour products are highly processed and stripped of their natural nutrients. They can cause spikes in blood sugar and contribute to weight gain.
2. Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: Soft drinks, fruit juices, and sports drinks loaded with added sugars can lead to tooth decay and increased calorie intake, promoting obesity and type 2 diabetes.
3. Processed Meat: Bacon, hot dogs, and sausages are often high in saturated fat and sodium, which can increase the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.