Eating healthy is a crucial aspect of cancer prevention, especially for cancers such as stomach, liver, and colorectal cancer. Preservatives and additives in our food can significantly impact the formation of cancer cells.
One of the most common preservatives in our daily lives is formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a highly toxic chemical often used by unscrupulous traders as a food preservative to keep food looking fresh and lasting longer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that long-term exposure to high levels of formaldehyde can lead to respiratory cancer (nose, throat, and lung cancer). It can also cause chromosomal abnormalities and mutations, harm fetuses, and irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, leading to allergies.
According to a long-time vegetable seller’s revelation to Sohu, Chinese cabbage is often tainted with formaldehyde due to its crisp and perishable nature. To choose Chinese cabbage free of chemicals, homemakers should avoid buying cabbages with the following signs.
Be wary of these three types of Chinese cabbage at the market, as they may contain cancer-causing substances:
1. Overly large and plump Chinese cabbage:
Large and plump Chinese cabbage is often preferred by consumers as it tends to be crisper and sweeter. However, when buying vegetables, it is essential to be cautious. Chinese cabbage has a relatively short shelf life and is susceptible to rotting. During transportation from farms to markets and supermarkets, the outer leaves of the vegetable may wilt or bruise slightly.
To extend the shelf life, traders may spray a small amount of formaldehyde on the surface of the cabbage to prevent deterioration during transport. These cabbages will appear round, full, and without a single wilted leaf. However, when cut open, the inside will be rotten.
If you see one or two exceptionally fresh-looking Chinese cabbages at a market stall, there’s likely no cause for concern. But if you notice ten cabbages that all look equally fresh and vibrant, be cautious.
2. Chinese cabbage with a disinfectant-like smell:
If you’re at the market and come across a visually appealing and pristine Chinese cabbage, but you notice a sharp, disinfectant-like odor, do not purchase it.
Consuming vegetables preserved with formaldehyde can lead to severe abdominal pain, vomiting, coma, kidney damage, and even death. Do not assume that washing the vegetable thoroughly will remove the toxin, as water cannot completely eliminate formaldehyde.
3. Outer leaves are fresh, but the inner core is rotten:
Ask the vendor to cut the Chinese cabbage in half. If the outer leaves look fresh, but the inner core is rotten, it indicates the presence of formaldehyde. When treated with formaldehyde, the outer leaves absorb the chemical, preserving them longer, while the inner core wilts and rots quickly.
In this case, refrain from purchasing such cabbage, as it could pose a health risk to your family.
How to choose safe and healthy Chinese cabbage:
According to the Food Safety Authority (Ministry of Health), the following guidelines should be considered when selecting fresh and safe vegetables:
– Firstly, look for intact and undamaged vegetables with no scratches, bruises, or discoloration around the stem. Be cautious of overly large and plump vegetables.
– Secondly, pay attention to the color. Opt for vegetables with a natural color, avoiding those that appear wilted or discolored. Be cautious of abnormally colored or green fruits or vegetables.
– Touch and feel the vegetable. It should feel heavy and firm. Avoid vegetables that feel unusually light, as this could indicate the use of excessive growth stimulants and pesticides.
– Ensure there are no strange substances on the vegetable. Many fruits and vegetables may still have pesticide residues on the leaves, stems, or fruit. Avoid those with blotches or white marks.
– Lastly, use your sense of smell. Safe and healthy vegetables should not have any strange odors. If you detect a strong chemical smell or an unusual odor, do not purchase or consume them.
According to Vietnamese Women’s Newspaper
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