In the quiet suburbs of China’s Hunan province, a young boy is grappling with a mysterious illness, making even the simplest act of walking a daunting task. In a desperate attempt to find answers, the parents take him to the hospital, only to be confronted with a shocking revelation during an X-ray examination – the child’s body is infested with parasites, a staggering estimated count of 5000. The unsuspecting culprit? Raw crab consumption, specifically those harboring the eggs of lung flukes.
According to “Sina News”, every year, many people are infected with parasites due to eating raw fish, shrimp, crab, conch and other seafood. As a result, they end up in the hospital, and the consequences become more serious each time. Experts list these foods that should not be eaten raw. Food must be thoroughly washed and cooked, otherwise parasites may be eaten if not careful.
1.Meat
Shrimps, crabs, freshwater fish, marine fish, and snails are easily infected with various parasites if eaten raw or undercooked.
2.Vegetables
Mainly aquatic vegetables, including wild rice, water chestnuts, water celery, lotus root, and water chestnuts. They should be washed and cooked before eating. Eating them raw is refreshing but dangerous because aquatic plants may be parasitized by Fasciolopsis. Serious infections can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and facial problems. And problems such as body edema, malabsorption, malnutrition, etc. If a child is infected, it may lead to stunted development, and in severe cases, he may suffer from failure, collapse, and death.
3. Drunken crab and drunken shrimp
The so-called “drunken shrimp” and “drunken crab” are actually shrimps and crabs eaten raw. Although they are delicious, there are a lot of paragonimiasis in the shrimps and crabs. If eaten into the body, it will first cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, low fever, and loss of appetite; if it is transferred to the lungs, it can cause chest pain, cough, and hemoptysis in mild cases, or invade the brain and other organs in severe cases, and even “reproduce” in the body. It may even cause brain herniation and death.
4. Sashimi, sashimi
Anisakis is a parasite that specifically lives on marine animals. If eaten into the body, it can cause abdominal pain and strong allergic reactions, and even pierce the intestinal wall and form an abscess in the abdominal cavity. Eating freshwater fish sashimi is very dangerous. You may be infected with liver fluke disease, which can cause cholangitis, gallstones, cirrhosis, and even evolve into liver cancer.
5. Snail meat
Field snails are easily infected with parasites. If they enter the human body, they will travel among various organs of the human body and attack the central nervous system, lungs, eyes, etc., causing meningitis, visual impairment and even blindness. As for the snail’s brother, the apple snail, it is not recommended to eat it whether it is cooked or not, because there are as many as 6,000 parasites in a apple snail, and during the cooking process, the internal parasites may become more tenacious. In addition, the raw water that snails depend on for survival is not drinkable.
The report mentioned that the most important thing is “don’t eat it raw.” No matter what kind of food it is, there is basically no problem if it is cooked thoroughly before eating. It is also best not to drink raw water. It is also best to use chopping boards and rags separately at home. Cut raw and cooked meat separately. You must be wary of “diseases entering from the mouth”.
Conclusion
In a world where culinary adventures are celebrated, the case from Hunan serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk in our favorite dishes. From the thrill of sushi to the indulgence in seafood delights, the key takeaway is clear – cooking thoroughly is a small price to pay for safeguarding our health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Is it safe to consume partially cooked seafood?
- A: No, partial cooking can leave behind harmful parasites, posing serious health risks.
- Q: What precautions can I take while preparing seafood at home?
- A: Ensure seafood is cooked thoroughly, and use separate utensils for raw and cooked items.
- Q: Are all vegetables prone to parasitic infections?
- A: Water-grown vegetables, especially aquatic plants, may harbor parasites, necessitating careful washing and cooking.
- Q: Can ginger worm infestations be fatal?
- A: Severe cases can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, swelling, absorption issues, and, in children, potential developmental issues.
- Q: What’s the most crucial advice for safe eating?
- A: Never consume raw or undercooked food; always prioritize thorough cooking.