Beware the brown spots: Hidden dangers in your fruit bowl
Fruits can be a source of a dangerous toxin—patulin. Pay attention to brown spots, which may indicate its presence. The toxin poses a serious health risk.
Key information
- Patulin is a toxin produced by molds, present in fruits with brown spots.
- It can cause allergies, infections, and digestive system diseases.
- It is not removed by thermal processing, so contaminated fruits should be discarded.
Spring and summer are the times when we eagerly reach for fresh fruits. Although they are an important element of a balanced diet, some can do more harm than good. As frontiersin.org service points out, it's better to avoid fruits with brown spots. These indicate the presence of patulin, a toxin produced by molds.
The newspaper emphasizes that patulin is dangerous to health. It can lead to allergies, fungal infections, and respiratory and digestive system diseases. Moreover, it is considered a potentially carcinogenic substance.
Brown spots on fruits are a warning signal. Even if they are small, mold can develop inside the fruit. It's not enough to cut out the spots—contaminated fruits should be discarded, as thermal processing does not destroy patulin.
Protection against patulin
To avoid consuming patulin, it's worth following a few guidelines. The basic one is to carefully examine fruits before purchasing them. It is recommended to thoroughly check the quality of fruits and avoid those showing any signs of spoilage.
You should also appropriately store fruits and vegetables to prevent them from spoiling quickly. Dry and cool places work best. Avoid damp places, as they encourage mold formation. Also, try to regularly inspect purchased fruits to remove those that are spoiling.
Fruits are a valuable source of vitamins, but their consumption requires caution. Brown spots are a signal not to be ignored. By choosing healthy products, we can effectively protect ourselves from risks.
