Here are four types of vegetables that are extremely harmful to many people.
1. Eat raw vegetables without washing them thoroughly
Raw vegetables such as lettuce, fish lettuce, herbs... are often used in garlic and salads. However, if not washed thoroughly, they can contain many bacteria, pesticides or parasites such as worms. These dirt can cause digestive disorders, intestinal infections, and even affect the liver and kidneys. Soak your vegetables in diluted salt water or a specialized vegetable shampoo before eating.
2. Cooking overripe vegetables
Many people have the habit of boiling or stir-frying vegetables for too long to make them softer and easier to eat. However, high temperatures and long cooking times will eliminate many important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, B1 and folate. To preserve nutrients, you should only cook vegetables at a moderate level, avoid boiling them for too long. If you are boiling vegetables, keep the boiled water to drink or cook soup to maximize nutrition.
3. Eat vegetables overnight
Processed vegetables that are left overnight are susceptible to bacteria, and the amount of nitrates in vegetables can be converted into nitrates - a substance that can harm health, even increase the risk of cancer.
In particular, dark green vegetables such as mustard greens and water spinach contain more nitrates, so they should not be left overnight. Eat vegetables immediately after cooking to ensure safety.
4. Eat only vegetables without eating other foods
Many people, especially those on a diet, have the habit of eating only vegetables without eating enough protein, starch and fat. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, physical weakness, and reduced resistance.
A balanced diet needs to have enough vegetables, protein from meat, fish, eggs or tofu, as well as starch from rice, potatoes, and grains to provide enough energy for the body.
Eating vegetables properly not only helps supplement vitamins and minerals but also protects long-term health. Stay away from the above misconceptions of eating vegetables to maintain a healthy and energetic body.