It is common for us to reheat leftover vegetables. Most people reuse them. Consuming vegetables is beneficial for health, so it is always recommended to eat more vegetables. But did you know that reheating some vegetables can cause stomach toxicity? Many of their nutrients are destroyed during reheating, and some compounds rise to toxic levels. If you do, you need to change this habit, otherwise it can cause serious damage to your health. In this article, let’s explore which vegetables should not be reheated, what can happen when stored in the refrigerator and why reheating spinach is considered dangerous.
Which vegetables become poisonous when reheated?
Some vegetables contain compounds that break down and form harmful compounds when reheated. Vegetables especially high in nitrates turn into nitrites when reheated, which are considered dangerous to the body. Among these, spinach, fenugreek, leafy cabbage, green leafy vegetables and potatoes pose the highest risk.
Nitrates in these vegetables are converted to nitrites when reheated. This can lead to problems like methemoglobinemia, a condition in which the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood is reduced. It can cause dizziness, weakness, vomiting and even blue-skin syndrome in children. There is also a risk of food poisoning.
1. Spinach
We often take leftover vegetables out of the fridge and reheat them the next day, but reheating every vegetable is not recommended. Spinach is one such vegetable. Reheating it quickly increases nitrite levels and can cause serious health problems.
2. Potatoes
Starch in potatoes breaks down on reheating, forming toxic compounds. This can increase the risk of food poisoning. Therefore, reheating potatoes should be avoided even with potato-based vegetables.
3. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are considered a very useful vegetable, but eating them after reheating can cause serious harm. Proteins in mushrooms change when reheated, which can cause upset stomach, gas, and vomiting.
4. Egg curry
If you are making an egg curry or adding them to a gravy, it is best to consume them immediately. Reheating egg curries or egg yolks is harmful, as the protein may be damaged.
5. Leafy vegetables
Leftover leafy vegetables like spinach, fenugreek and mustard can increase their nitrates and turn into harmful nitrites within hours.
Things to note
Refrigerating cut fruits and salads for long periods of time increases bacteria growth and increases the risk of food poisoning.
Bacillus cereus bacteria grow rapidly in cold rice, which does not die even in the refrigerator. Eating this rice can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Boiled foods like boiled potatoes and boiled lentils grow bacteria quickly and can easily become toxic if improperly stored in the refrigerator.
Spinach is high in nitrates. When you reheat spinach, the nitrates in it turn into nitrites. This can cause problems like low blood oxygen levels, blue-skin syndrome in children, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain and headache.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. New18 does not take responsibility for this information.