Some people like to drink very hot soup, eat hot rice, drink boiling water, and drink hot tea, thinking that only in this way can they taste the flavor of the food and obtain the maximum amount of nutrition. However, this is an unscientific eating habit with many harmful effects. Do you know the disadvantages of eating hot food?
Burns the oral and tongue mucosa
Many people have had the same experience of suddenly eating a mouthful of very hot food, which often makes it difficult to swallow. In mild cases, the oral mucosa becomes red and congested, while in severe cases, it can cause blisters and even mouth ulcers. The tolerance temperature of the oral cavity and esophagus is 50-60°C, and exceeding this temperature can cause burns.
Causes esophagitis
Sometimes, food that is too hot can also burn the esophageal mucosa, causing necrosis of the damaged esophageal mucosa and the formation of pseudomembranes. After the pseudomembranes fall off, ulcers can form. After healing, scars can form, leading to esophageal stenosis and affecting normal eating. This is a type of esophagitis. People with this condition often feel pain and burning sensation behind the sternum, and may experience difficulty swallowing. It can also cause acute simple gastritis.
Triggers esophageal cancer
Frequent consumption of hot food is also related to the occurrence of esophageal cancer. Studies have shown that in areas with a high incidence of esophageal cancer, most patients have a habit of consuming hot food. Overly hot food, generally at a temperature of around 90 degrees, can damage the oral mucosa. As a compensatory response, new cells are generated. Over time, this can accelerate cell proliferation. When external carcinogens stimulate the cells in the process of cell proliferation, it is highly likely to trigger esophageal cancer.
Damages teeth and gums
Hot food causes congestion of the oral mucosa and ulceration, which destroys the protective function of the mucosa for the oral cavity. Hot food is harmful to both the gums and teeth, and can easily cause gum ulcers and allergic toothache.
Hinders food digestion
Overly hot food can destroy various enzymes in the digestive tract or reduce their catalytic ability. When enzymes are damaged or weakened, they directly affect the digestion and absorption of food. Moreover, very hot food stays in the mouth for a short time, and the food is not thoroughly chewed. The mixing process with saliva is insufficient, which hinders food digestion and absorption.
Damages the gastrointestinal tract
Some people don't mind the rapid changes between hot and cold in their diet. Sometimes, after eating very hot food, they often drink cold drinks to relieve the heat. This can cause great stimulation to the digestive organs. The rapid temperature difference between hot and cold cannot be quickly adapted by the intestines and stomach, which affects digestion and absorption, and may even lead to gastritis and enteritis. If not treated in a timely manner, there is a risk of developing chronic gastritis and enteritis.
Causes malnutrition
Frequently eating hot food can affect appetite and cause malnutrition. When the taste buds on the tongue encounter overheated food, they can be injured, causing a decrease in the ability to perceive taste. The taste sensory nerves are affected, and the taste becomes duller, thereby reducing appetite. Over time, malnutrition can occur.
