How do humidity and temperature changes affect food?
Kanikka Malhotra, a nutritionist and diabetes consultant from India, said that the monsoon season , although bringing pleasant relief from the heat, also increases the risk of food-related diseases. The combination of high humidity and changing temperatures creates an ideal environment for harmful bacteria and fungi to grow.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your health and your family's health during the frequently changing weather is to wash certain foods before eating.
“Moisture accelerates the spoilage of foods, especially those that are high in water, creating conditions for bacteria to grow. These bacteria not only damage the texture of the food but also make the food unhealthy to eat, as they can cause infections and other health problems,” said Kanikka Malhotra.
Even processed foods can be a health hazard, adds Kanikka Malhotra. In the case of canned foods, if the can is damaged or the seal is broken, moisture can enter and cause spoilage. You should check the food for signs of spoilage before buying it.
Additionally, food should be washed thoroughly before cooking or consuming to avoid foodborne illnesses.
Below are foods that need to be washed before eating, listed by nutritionist Malhotra:
Fruits and vegetables: Include produce with edible skins such as apples, berries and leafy greens, as well as other fruits such as melons and oranges.
Eggs: Wash to remove dirt or bacteria from the shell.
Meat and poultry: Rinse under cold running water to remove any dirt. Even after rinsing, it is essential to cook meat and poultry to the recommended temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
Seafood: Rinse fish, shellfish and squid to remove dirt or sand.
Herbs: Wash to remove dirt and pesticides . Include herbs such as coriander leaves, mint, basil...
How to remove bacteria and pesticides
Ms. Kanikka Malhotra suggests following these steps:
- Make sure to rinse food thoroughly under cold running water.
- To remove dirt and pesticides from fruits and vegetables with hard skins, use a vegetable brush.
- Pesticides can be removed from some vegetables by soaking them in a vinegar or baking soda solution.
- Peeling fruits and vegetables can help remove the outer skin. Because this skin can contain many pesticides.
