Hidden dangers in your meals: How to protect against parasites
Almost everyone knows that mold on the surface of food immediately disqualifies products. However, the topic of parasites remains less discussed, and they too can pose a danger to health. It's important to exercise a little caution and adhere to some simple rules to avoid issues.
Parasites are mainly associated with animals and visits to the veterinarian. However, they can also appear in food, later causing significant harm to the body. Special attention should be given to several products that parasites particularly favor.
Raw fish and seafood
Sushi, sashimi, and ceviche are considered quite the delicacy. However, these foods can be hosts to parasites such as nematodes and flukes. It's advised that pregnant women refrain from eating sushi for this reason. In oysters, you can also find the protozoan Bonamia exitiosa, which has not been thoroughly studied by scientists. The most important rule is to buy products only from reliable, tested, and certified sources.
Game and pork
These meats should never be consumed raw, as doing so involves the risk of parasite infection. One such parasite is the armed tapeworm. If tapeworm eggs are ingested, larvae can develop in the body and penetrate the bloodstream. They can reach various tissues and organs, forming cysts (cysticercosis) in muscles, skin, eyes, and even the brain. This can lead to seizures, headaches, neurological disorders, vision loss, and even death. Equally dangerous is trichinosis, a parasitic disease caused by nematodes of the genus Trichinella.
In undercooked meat, you might also encounter the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, which is most commonly found in pork or lamb.
Unwashed fruits and vegetables
Dirty fruits and vegetables are hotspots for parasites. They can contain Giardia, hookworms, human roundworm eggs, and pinworms, as well as Toxoplasma gondii and tapeworms. The best prevention method is to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables under running water before consumption. For some vegetables like lettuce and spinach, it's advisable to separate the leaves and rinse them individually.
Food from an unreliable source
Street food is a wonderful way to explore local flavors while traveling, but caution is advised. Sanitary conditions and food preparation standards may differ from what you're used to. Limited access to clean water, insufficient sanitation, and improper waste disposal contribute to the spread of parasite eggs and cysts in the environment. In warmer tropical climates, many parasites thrive due to ideal conditions.
When traveling to countries with lower sanitary standards, exercise extra caution with food and drinks. Opt for safe sources for both food and water.
How to avoid infection?
The most crucial rule is maintaining cleanliness. Regularly wash your hands and disinfect countertops, cutting boards, dishes, and other kitchen utensils. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, fish, and vegetables.
Purchase fresh fish and meat from trusted stores. Cook pork, game, and poultry to a safe internal temperature. While freezing meat can kill some parasites, it doesn't affect all of them (for example, the trichina worm is more resistant to freezing). Thermal processing is a reliable method. Always wash fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking them.
