In our daily life, there are many things that are beneficial to our health, and red dates are one of them. Not only are they delicious, but they can also help replenish blood. However, there is a hidden risk of "carcinogenesis" when eating red dates in this way, so female friends should pay attention.
[Dates can improve the body's immune system]
Dates can improve the body's immune system and inhibit cancer cells. They can promote the production of white blood cells, lower serum cholesterol, increase serum albumin, and protect the liver. Red dates also contain substances that can inhibit cancer cells and even transform cancer cells into normal cells.
However, during the storage period, if the humidity is too high, red dates can ferment, spoil, and produce aflatoxins, which can cause liver cancer when consumed in large quantities.
[Storage of red dates]
A small amount of red dates can be stored using rice husk ash. Spread dry rice husk ash about 1 cm thick on the ground, layer red dates on top, then sprinkle rice husk ash to cover the red dates, and repeat the process. This storage method can prevent moisture and kill bacteria, keeping the dates dry and in good condition. If rice husk ash is not available, using a desiccant is also a good option.
Red dates are a treasure and can be very beneficial to the body if eaten correctly! However, there is a kind of shiny large date in the market that always attracts customers' attention. But you may not know that such dates may have problems, so please be sure not to buy them!
[Wax-coated dates]
Generally, edible wax is used to coat dates. The price difference between edible wax and industrial wax is significant, with the latter being half the price of the former. However, the difference between the two can only be detected in a laboratory, so some small factories may use industrial wax to coat fruits. If it is edible wax, it is harmless to the human body. But if it is industrial wax, the mercury and lead it contains may penetrate into the flesh through the skin, posing a health risk. There is a good way to test whether a date is wax-coated: take out one date and burn it. If it ignites quickly, it means it has been coated with wax oil, otherwise it hasn't.
[Sulfur fumigation]
Normally, dried red dates have wrinkled skin and may have some spots, which doesn't look good. However, after sulfur fumigation, the dates become plump, shiny, and look like they have been waxed. This is because sulfur itself has a bleaching effect, so it makes the dates more vibrant in color. At the same time, sulfur also acts as a disinfectant during the fumigation process, preventing decay. Dates that have been fumigated with sulfur are less likely to spoil.
[Saccharin sodium coated dates]
However, in reality, the problem with red dates on the market is not only sulfur-coated dates, but also a more common type called saccharin sodium coated dates. Before winter dates are fully ripe, green dates are soaked in saccharin sodium solution to easily produce winter dates, thus seeking greater profits. Fresh fruits should not be treated with saccharin sodium. Consuming large amounts of saccharin sodium in a short period of time can cause acute bleeding in the liver and kidneys. When consumed excessively, it can affect digestion and even lead to cancer.
