Warning! 3 aquatic plants are like “parasite nests” that pose a serious risk to the brain, but some people still believe that eating them raw is good.
Health warning! 3 fruits and vegetables that are close to us may be a source of latent parasites. Although they can’t be seen with the naked eye, eating them raw can put you at risk of serious brain diseases.
When talking about parasites, many people often think of raw meat or undercooked seafood such as shrimp, shellfish, crabs, fish. But did you know that “some vegetables and fruits are also a good source of parasites?” Especially if eaten raw or not washed properly, it can easily allow parasites to enter the body without realizing it. But many people still have the wrong belief that it is a health food.
A real case from China, a 27-year-old woman fell victim to parasites after regularly eating fresh water chestnuts because she liked their crispy, sweet taste and convenience. But about 2 years later, she began to have stomach pains for no apparent reason. Finally, she had to see a doctor and found that she had 2 intestinal flukes living in her body, which had originated from eating fresh water chestnuts contaminated with parasites for a long time.
Why do vegetables and fruits have parasites? Vegetables and fruits, especially those that grow in water or mud, are often in the same environment as parasites and their eggs, during the growing process, fertilizing, watering and spraying. Using manure or animal waste increases the risk even more. In addition, during harvesting, transport or storage, vegetables and fruits are at risk of being contaminated with parasites from the environment or other vegetables that have been infected before.
Revealing the list of 3 fruits and vegetables that are at high risk of being a “source of parasites” without realizing it
- Water chestnuts
grow in shallow water areas such as ponds and mud pools, which makes the outer shell susceptible to parasites, especially intestinal flukes. If eaten raw, it can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and malnutrition. - Water Caltrop is an aquatic plant that grows in shallow mud pools .
Its fruit has a hard shell shaped like a buffalo’s horn. It is often found in markets during the rainy season. Some people may bite the shell with their mouths or eat it raw, which may allow parasite eggs attached to the shell to enter the เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา body. Therefore, do not bite the shell or eat it raw. Always boil it first. - Lotus roots
grow in muddy soil at the bottom of ponds, which often contain various parasites such as flukes and tapeworms. Eating raw lotus roots can cause ulcers, redness, inflammation of the intestines, or stomach pain, diarrhea, and other digestive problems.
The dangers of parasites when they enter the body
When parasites enter the human body, they live in the digestive system and steal nutrients from us, resulting in malnutrition, anemia, swelling, or fatigue. Some types can also spread to the liver, lungs, or even the brain .
For example, the thornworm, which is often found in apple snails, if it enters the body can travel to the brain, causing symptoms such as high fever, headache, stiff neck, and in severe cases, paralysis, blindness, or death.
How to prevent parasites from vegetables and fruits
- Avoid eating raw vegetables and fruits, especially aquatic plants such as lotus roots, water chestnuts, and wolfberries.
- Choose vegetables from reliable sources with safe growing standards.
- Wash vegetables thoroughly with running water or soak in salt water before cooking.
- Always cook food thoroughly, especially vegetables that are highly susceptible to contamination.
- Maintain personal hygiene, such as washing hands before eating and after using the bathroom.
Although vegetables and fruits are a good source of nutrients, if you don’t know how to choose and consume them carefully, they can become a “silent danger” that allows parasites to enter your body without you knowing. It’s best to wash them thoroughly and cook them thoroughly every time for the safety of you and your loved ones.