Grapefruit: the ‘Nemesis’ of Many Medications
Keep Away When Taking Medications
The liver relies on the CYP3A4 enzyme to metabolize drugs and minimize their side effects in the body. However, grapefruit contains furanocoumarins that significantly inhibit the activity of the CYP3A4 enzyme. This interference can compromise the effectiveness of many medications used for conditions such as hypertension, tumors, and cardiovascular diseases, leading to potential serious adverse reactions.
It’s Best to Avoid Eating Cooked Green Leafy Vegetables Overnight
Cooked dark green leafy vegetables have a higher nitrate content, and when stored overnight, they can produce a significant amount of nitrite. Nitrate and nitrite themselves are not carcinogenic, but if consumed regularly and repeatedly, they can combine with amino substances in the body to form nitrosamines, confirmed as Group 2A carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. This could potentially lead to conditions such as stomach cancer and esophageal cancer.
The Many Benefits of Drinking Tea, But Beware of Overheating
Many people have the habit of drinking tea while it’s still very hot, unaware that excessively hot tea can cause the esophagus to undergo repeated cycles of damage and repair, leading to the occurrence of malignancy. A study in the International Journal of Cancer found that individuals who prefer drinking tea at temperatures ≥60°C have a 41% higher risk of esophageal cancer compared to those who consume tea at <60°C. Additionally, those who consume tea within less than 2 minutes after brewing have a 51% higher risk of esophageal cancer compared to those who wait for the tea to cool for 6 minutes or more.
Drinking Freshly Squeezed Fruit Juice Can Be Unhealthy
Firstly, during the juice-making process, a significant amount of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants are lost, resulting in lower nutritional value compared to fresh fruits. Secondly, the sugar content in freshly squeezed fruit juice is approximately 10-25 grams per 100 grams, which is comparable to the sugar content in cola per 100 grams. Lastly, the free sugars in fruit juice can be rapidly absorbed by the body, causing significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels and increasing the metabolic burden on the body.
