To avoid food waste, many people are in the habit of storing leftovers from their meals for later heating. This behavior, which seems harmless at first glance, can be dangerous in some cases. In reality, there are some foods that should not be reheated at the risk of causing more or less severe health problems.
Saving time, avoiding waste, saving money… There are several reasons why we may want to keep leftover food in the fridge for later consumption. However, this gesture is not always without health risks. There are foods that can become dangerous for the body when they undergo a second cooking. To avoid abdominal pain, digestive discomfort or food poisoning, discover the 7 foods that should not be reheated.
1. Mushrooms
Mushrooms – Source: spm
Rich in fiber and vitamins, mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked. However, these contain proteins that can be damaged if not stored properly. Therefore, reheating mushrooms that have been at room temperature for several hours can cause digestive upset.
2. Chicken
The Chicken – Source: spm
If you have stored leftover chicken and want to eat it, it is best to eat it cold. After the first cooking, you may be tempted to reheat them in the microwave, but in reality, the heat from the appliance is not always enough to kill all the bacteria that can accumulate in this lean meat. For a second cooking of the chicken, it is better to use a pan or an oven and increase the temperature.
3.Potatoes
Potatoes – Source: spm
The gratin dauphinois of the day before was succulent and yet, you had not finished your dish. You’re probably thinking that this isn’t a problem since you’ve carefully stored it at room temperature, covered with aluminum foil. This is a big mistake because if potatoes are not stored in the refrigerator, they can contain bacteria that can cause botulism.
4.Rice
Rice – Source: spm
As our colleagues at also point out, rice is one of the foods at risk. This food can be contaminated with bacteria known as Bacillus Cereus. These are not resistant to heat, but they can produce toxic spores when rice is kept at room temperature, as demonstrated by a study carried out by scientists at the University of Cambridge. So, if rice is not eaten immediately after cooking, it can be dangerous.
5. Seafood
Seafood – Source: spm
Seafood is very popular and is full of proteins and minerals that are beneficial to the body. Still, the explains that these foods must be stored in the freezer and then cooked for immediate consumption. If seafood is left at room temperature, it can harbor bacteria that cause food poisoning.
6. Spinach
Spinach – Source: spm
Rich in iron and antioxidants, spinach is a quality meal and offers the body a multitude of benefits. That said, these leafy greens contain a high content of nitrates that can turn into nitrites when stored at room temperature. As our colleagues at Le Figaro explain, nitrites are likely to cause an increase in the level of methemoglobin in the blood, cause discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes and in rare cases, cause death.
7. Eggs
Eggs – Source: spm
Fried, boiled or scrambled, eggs should not be stored for later consumption. According to a study, when you heat a hard-boiled egg in the microwave, it starts to swell under the effect of radiation. As a result, the egg can explode at mealtime and cause significant burns when a fork or knife is inserted into it.
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