Nuts are nutritious and a favorite snack for many, but two types are strictly forbidden.
Moldy Nuts
Moldy nuts are a serious food safety hazard, especially for nuts like peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and others that are prone to moisture.
During storage and transportation, these foods can become contaminated with molds like Aspergillus aflatoxin and Aspergillus parasiticus. These molds thrive in specific conditions and produce highly toxic mold toxins such as aflatoxin B1. Aflatoxin B1 is extremely dangerous, 68 times more toxic than arsenic, and can severely damage the liver. The World Health Organization classifies it as a Group 1 carcinogen for humans.
It's important to note that moldy nuts may not show obvious signs of deterioration, making it difficult to identify visually. Consuming these nuts can be hazardous as it's often hard to detect.
When purchasing nuts, choose reputable sources like major supermarkets or branded stores with transparent origins. Pay attention to the production date and expiration date to avoid buying expired products.
Inspect the packaging for damage and avoid purchasing products with compromised seals. Additionally, be wary of unusually low prices or irregular colors.
Overly Processed Nuts
Nuts are now available in a variety of processed forms like candies, ice cream, and roasted with salt. These processes often involve adding large amounts of sugar, salt, vegetable oil, and other seasonings.
While these flavors may enhance the taste of nuts, consuming them excessively can be detrimental to health. For instance, a high-sugar diet contributes to obesity and increases the risk of breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and others. Excessive salt intake is strongly linked to stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and related illnesses.
Additionally, some nut products require high temperatures during processing, such as roasting, frying, or baking. Although it may enhance the crunchiness of nuts, it can also compromise their nutritional value.
Worse still, high temperatures can generate harmful substances like acrylamide. Acrylamide is classified as a Group 2A carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and has been linked to lung cancer, bladder cancer, and others.
When consuming nuts, opt for unprocessed varieties without any added flavors. Monitor your intake as nuts, despite their health benefits, are high in calories. Excessive consumption can lead to weight gain or an excess of certain nutrients. Experts recommend limiting daily consumption to a small handful, approximately 30 grams.
Store nuts in cool, dry areas away from moisture. If you notice any unusual odors or discoloration, discard the nuts.
Summary:
- Moldy nuts can produce highly toxic aflatoxin B1, which is linked to liver damage and cancer.
- Overly processed nuts, such as those with added sugar, salt, or baked at high temperatures, can contribute to health issues like obesity, cancer, and other diseases.
- Choose unprocessed, unsweetened nuts in moderation to maintain a healthy diet and avoid potential hazards.