Think your breakfast is healthy? Experts say you may be wrong
Experts say which breakfast foods may harm you (photo: magnific)
Cereal grains are widely considered a cornerstone of a healthy diet, but a major new study has found that they may contain mycotoxins that can cause serious health problems, according to the Daily Mail.
Which breakfast foods raised concerns
Dietitians and healthy-living influencers frequently highlight the benefits of porridge and other grain-based breakfasts.
However, researchers in North Carolina analyzed 258 scientific studies and reached a concerning conclusion: nearly all grain products, including rice, oats, wheat, and corn, contain mycotoxins.
These are toxic chemical compounds produced by microscopic fungi either while crops are growing in the field or after harvest due to improper storage and excessive moisture.
Consuming foods with high levels of mycotoxins can lead to acute poisoning, causing stomach pain, digestive problems, and coughing from inhaling fungal spores. The greater concern, however, is the long-term accumulation of these substances in the body.
Experts warn that chronic exposure to mycotoxins may contribute to the development of asthma, short-term memory loss, and even cancer.
In the most severe cases, exposure can lead to seizures, coma, and death. Young children, pregnant women, and older adults are considered particularly vulnerable to these toxins.
Authorities closely monitor mycotoxin levels and set safety limits, but contamination incidents still occur.
For example, last year in the United States, 170,000 bottles of apple juice were recalled due to mold contamination, while in 2021, more than 110 dogs died after consuming pet food contaminated with aflatoxin.
Although the risk to adults in developed countries remains relatively low thanks to strict oversight, researchers are urging manufacturers to strengthen safety measures, use fungus-resistant grain varieties, and carefully sort harvested crops.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
