Many of us do not like to throw away leftover food. Eating as much food as possible is a good thing, but only as long as it is safe. There are some food items which are harmful when reheated and can even become poisonous. Let us look at five food items that should not be reheated and understand the reasons behind it.
1. Rice
Rice is a very common food, but reheating leftover rice can pose a risk to your health. Uncooked rice may contain spores of a bacteria called Bacillus cereus, which can survive even in heat. When rice is left to cool at room temperature after cooking, these spores begin to grow and can produce toxins that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if consumed.
Ways to stay safe : Keep leftover rice in the refrigerator immediately after cooking and eat it within 24 hours. When reheating, make sure the rice is heated completely.
2. Potato
Potato is a frequently heated food item. But, if potatoes are left to cool at room temperature, they can provide a favorable environment for a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum to grow. These bacteria can cause a serious disease called botulism, which can lead to paralysis and even death.
Tips to stay safe : Keep cooked potatoes in the refrigerator immediately after cooking and eat them within two days. While eating, while heating the potatoes, make sure that their temperature is just right.
3. Chicken and other meats
Chicken and other meats are good sources of protein but they also need to be reheated with care. When meat is reheated, it can change the protein structure, which can cause digestive problems. Additionally, if meat is not reheated to a sufficient temperature, harmful bacteria including Salmonella and E. coli may survive, causing food poisoning.
Tips to stay safe : Keep leftover meat in the refrigerator immediately after cooking and eat it within two to three days. When reheating, make sure the meat is heated evenly throughout.
4. Eggs
Eggs are a delicious, nutritious, and popular food, but they must be reheated with care. Eggs may contain salmonella bacteria, which is a common cause of food poisoning. When eggs are reheated, the bacteria contained in them can grow rapidly, especially if they are not heated evenly.
Ways to Stay Safe : Keep boiled or fried eggs in the refrigerator for a few hours after eating them. When reheating, make sure the eggs are completely heated through, and the yolks are completely set.
5 . Spinach and green leafy vegetables
Spinach and other green vegetables are rich in nitrates, which turn into nitrites when cooked. These nitrites can be harmful to health, and reheating increases their levels further. Therefore, it is better to eat these vegetables fresh.
Ways to stay safe : Nitrites can increase the risk of cancer. The nutrition of vegetables also reduces when reheated. Delicious and healthy options for green vegetables include: broccoli, sprouts, and lettuce. As far as possible, eat green vegetables fresh and do not store them for long.
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