It is said that spicy cabbage causes cancer because pickled food contains nitrite. Experts explained that the problem of nitrite in kimchi depends on the curing time. "1~3 days after curing is the period with the highest nitrite content, during which its content shows an upward trend. Raw pickled vegetables can be eaten immediately, and there will be no nitrite problem, but the nitrite content will gradually increase within 1~3 days after pickling. Generally speaking, from the third day, due to the continuous proliferation of microorganisms, the oxygen in the pickle jar is exhausted, and the nitrite content in vegetables begins to decrease due to oxidation, and tends to a relatively stable value.

But it will take about 15 days. Therefore, after kimchi has been fermented for at least 15 days, there is basically no need to worry about nitrite. Since then, a large number of lactic acid bacteria have been produced, which have a health care effect on the human body. "

In addition, because lactic acid bacteria have no nitrate reductase, the nitrite content produced by strict pure lactic acid bacteria fermentation is very low. Fresh ginger, fresh pepper, garlic, green onions, onions, perilla and other ingredients help to reduce the level of nitrite. The nitrite content of pickles that need to be sauced for several months is also low. Only pickles eaten after a few days of pickling, as well as pickles and sauerkraut contaminated by miscellaneous bacteria and with insufficient pickling time, will promote cancer.

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Expert advice:

For pickled food, consumers should eat in moderation. Pickles contain lactic acid bacteria with gastrointestinal function. "If you want to ingest lactic acid bacteria, you might as well get it directly from healthier foods such as yogurt." "Everyone has a different constitution. Some people are sensitive to the stomach. If you eat unsanitary pickled food by mistake, it may lead to symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea. "

In addition, pickles and other foods contain more salt. If you want to supplement vitamins, you might as well eat fresh vegetables directly. Vegetables were originally used to supplement vitamin C for human beings, but after pickling, vitamin C will be exhausted.

People's Health Network-The more sour kimchi is, the more expensive it is, and the truth about whether it causes cancer is revealed.