Oncology experts teach you how to prevent aflatoxin, a first-class carcinogen

There is a toxin that is a very stable fungal toxin discovered so far. Once formed, it is difficult to remove. It is the "aflatoxin" we often hear about. As early as 1993, it was classified as a Class I carcinogen by the World Health Organization! Its toxicity is 68 times that of arsenic, and its carcinogenicity is 70 times that of dimethylnitrosamine. It is extremely destructive to liver tissue, and regular intake may increase the risk of liver cancer.

The harm of aflatoxin

Aflatoxin mainly damages the liver tissue of humans and animals, manifesting as swelling of liver cell nuclei, fatty degeneration, hemorrhage, necrosis, and hyperplasia of bile duct epithelium and fibrous tissue. In severe cases, it can lead to liver cancer or even death. Studies have shown that among liver cancer patients, the number of people who have a higher exposure to aflatoxin is much higher than that of people with a normal diet; aflatoxin can also damage the kidneys and reduce immunity.

What dose of aflatoxin can cause cancer?

1mg of aflatoxin is a carcinogenic dose. Both China and foreign countries have made clear limits on the content of aflatoxin in food. For example, my country stipulates that the content of aflatoxin B1 in grain should be less than 10 micrograms per kilogram, the content of aflatoxin M1 in milk and dairy products should be less than 0.5 micrograms per liter, and aflatoxin M1 should not be detected in infant formula and milk substitutes.

The bitter melon seeds and bitter peanuts we sometimes eat are likely to contain aflatoxin. However, there is no need to worry about such a very small dose. If aflatoxin is not taken continuously, it generally does not accumulate in the body. After a single intake, most of it will be excreted from the body through breathing, urine, feces, etc. about one week.

How to prevent it? Experts give these suggestions

1. Don’t eat leftovers

Food should not be stored for a long time. Try not to eat leftovers at home, especially spoiled rice, which is most likely to produce aflatoxin. Remember, do not eat moldy food.

2. Avoid bitter nuts

In addition to peanuts, aflatoxin is also found in nuts such as melon seeds, almonds, and pistachios. Nuts will produce aflatoxin during the mold process. If you eat bitter nuts, you must spit them out and rinse your mouth in time. If you eat them frequently, it will increase the risk of liver cancer. You must also carefully check whether nuts are moldy before eating them.

3. If one is broken, throw away the whole package

Foods with high starch content are most likely to contain aflatoxin, such as corn and peanuts. Once moldy, the aflatoxin content will be very high. Peanuts are especially likely to breed aflatoxin. If one peanut in a bag of peanuts is moldy, throw away the entire bag of peanuts, because aflatoxin is transmitted in the form of spores, and food is very likely to be moldy.

4. Do not eat oil pressed from small workshops

Small workshops usually have simple production processes, and are unable to refine the raw materials and remove harmful substances. In addition, if the raw materials become moldy during storage, the oil extracted may contain aflatoxin, so when buying oil, you should look for reputable big brands. In addition, vegetable oil that has been stored for a long time may also produce a small amount of aflatoxin.

5. Pay attention to the hygiene of chopsticks

Chopsticks that have been used for a long time and are not dried after washing are prone to aflatoxin. When using chopsticks, you should observe whether there are spots on the surface of the chopsticks every day, especially mildew. If there are spots on the chopsticks that are not the natural color of bamboo or wood, it means that the chopsticks are likely to be moldy and deteriorated and cannot be used anymore. It is recommended to replace wooden chopsticks every six months or a year, wash them carefully after use, dry them in time after washing, or try to use iron chopsticks. After washing, drain the tableware and hang it with the chopstick heads facing up, and rinse it with running water before each use.

6. Scrub repeatedly

Aflatoxin in rice is mainly distributed on the surface of rice grains. When washing rice and peanuts, rubbing them three or four times by hand can remove most of the aflatoxin. In addition, under alkaline conditions, aflatoxin can be converted into a water-soluble substance, so it can be removed by washing with baking soda water.

7. Eat more fresh vegetables

Studies have shown that chlorophyll can effectively inhibit the absorption of aflatoxin B1, so eating more fresh vegetables rich in chlorophyll may reduce the risk of aflatoxin poisoning.

8. Buy regular brand products and pay attention to food storage

Buy regular brands and products within the expiration date, and store food correctly. Keep food dry. Sun drying, air drying, baking, and drying can reduce the moisture in food. Then seal the food or store it in a ventilated and dry place. Don't store rice and flour in a humid place, as it will easily get moldy. Mold will grow slower at low temperatures, so you can put food in the refrigerator, but be careful not to keep it for too long.