"You may have heard about the health hazards of alcohol and smoking, but did you know? Those forgotten, moldy whole grains in the corners of your home can damage your thyroid health more than alcohol and tobacco. Imagine that one ordinary afternoon, Aunt Li was sorting out food in the kitchen and suddenly found that a bag of millet that had been left for a long time had become moldy. She thought about it for a moment and decided to continue using it, after all, whole grains are a symbol of health. However, after only a few months, she began to feel tired and weak, and even experienced symptoms of memory loss. The doctor examined her and told her that her thyroid function had been severely affected. Why? It's those neglected, moldy coarse grains.
This story is not an isolated one, revealing an often overlooked truth: improperly stored whole grains can be a recipe for thyroid health.
The thyroid gland, a small gland located in the throat, plays a vital role in human health. Not only does it regulate our metabolism, but it also affects our heart, muscles, bones, and our mood. The thyroxine secreted by the thyroid gland mainly consists of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which act directly on almost all body tissues. They regulate energy expenditure, maintain body temperature, and ensure that organs such as the heart, muscles, and brain work properly.
When coarse grains are not stored properly, mildew is very susceptible. The main hazards in moldy coarse grains come from toxins produced by molds, such as aflatoxin. This toxin is a strong liver carcinogen and has serious effects on the thyroid gland. Aflatoxin has been shown to interfere with the synthesis of thyroid hormones and affect the normal functioning of thyroid function. Not only does this lead to an underactive thyroid, but it may also increase the risk of thyroid disease.
Long-term intake of foods containing aflatoxin may even lead to chronic thyroid inflammation, which can lead to more serious thyroid dysfunction. Especially for middle-aged and older people, further damage to thyroid function can seriously affect quality of life, as metabolism itself slows down with age.
Therefore, we must be highly vigilant against the hidden threat to health caused by moldy whole grains. Proper storage of whole grains to prevent them from getting wet and moldy is essential for thyroid health. Once there are signs of mold in whole grains, they should be discarded immediately and should never be eaten for the sake of saving to avoid irreversible damage to the thyroid gland.
Proper storage for safety:Coarse grains such as millet, corn, oats, etc., should be stored in a dry, ventilated environment. The use of airtight containers can effectively prevent moisture and mildew. Keep in mind that the ambient temperature and humidity of storage have a direct impact on the preservation quality of coarse grains.
Check in time to prevent problems before they happen:Regularly inspect your home's coarse grains for mold or odors. Once coarse grains are found to be moldy, discard them immediately, and do not eat them for cheapness, so as not to endanger health.
Choose how much you buy and avoid long-term storageReasonably purchase coarse grains according to the actual consumption of the household to avoid food spoilage caused by long-term storage.
Diversified coarse grains for more comprehensive nutrition: A moderate intake of a variety of coarse grains, such as brown rice, barley rice, red beans, etc., can provide different nutrients for the body. Proper pairing can improve the taste and nutritional value of the meal.
Wisdom replacement, health upgrade:If you're concerned about the storage of whole grains, you can choose some easy-to-preserve alternatives, such as whole-wheat bread, brown rice, etc. These foods are easier to store and eat while maintaining nutrients.
Understand the properties of food, eat scientifically:Each type of whole grain has a different nutrient composition and suitable population. For example, some whole grains are suitable for people with abnormal glucose metabolism, while others are more suitable for people with elevated systemic arterial blood pressure. Knowing this information can help you make more scientific food choices and achieve targeted nutritional supplementation.