No one in their right mind would eat moldy bread. But many cut the damaged piece, and the remaining crumb is eaten. It is a pity to throw the whole loaf into the trash, especially if the bread has just been bought in a store. But what are the health consequences of such savings?
Can mold be cut from bread?
Mold is a microscopic fungus. They multiply rapidly in a warm, humid environment, but are able to survive in extreme temperatures.
Today in the world there are about 200,000 species of mold microorganisms. And 50,000 of them are dangerous to human health. They secrete mycotoxins, which poison the body and disrupt the functioning of internal organs. Aflatoxin and T-2, which can be fatal, are especially harmful.
Bread mold is a pathogenic fungus. The gray-green “moss” that you see on the bread is just the “tip of the iceberg”. These are fruit bodies. But the finest threads that can only be seen under a microscope stretch down from them. Due to the soft and porous structure of bread, they spread with lightning speed and affect up to 90-100% of the crumb. Therefore, it makes no sense to cut only a piece with visible mold.
How is bread mold dangerous to human health?
If a person has eaten a small amount of pathogenic fungi, then he may not even notice changes in well-being. However, this does not mean that mold is safe for health.
Negative consequences may occur after several months or years.
Impaired liver function
The liver is involved in the neutralization of mycotoxins in bread mold. By eating contaminated bread, you create an increased burden on this internal organ. A constant contact of the liver with toxins increases the risk of developing cirrhosis.
Digestive upset
It will happen if you eat a large number of spores at a time.
The following symptoms are typical for spoiled bread poisoning:
- nausea;
- vomiting
- diarrhea;
- bloating;
- severe dehydration (dry mucous membranes and severe fatigue).
In this situation, it is recommended to rinse the stomach. Then - drink activated charcoal (1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight). Or take another adsorbent available.
Respiratory problems
Wet and warm mucous membranes of the respiratory tract are an ideal medium for the survival of bread mold spores. When ingested, fungi weaken local immunity. As a result, a person is more often sick with SARS, sinusitis, pharyngitis and other respiratory diseases.
Mycotoxins are especially dangerous for allergy sufferers and people with bronchial asthma. If such people eat moldy bread, then they run the risk of experiencing severe attacks.
Dangerous diseases
Aspergillus is considered the most dangerous type of mold.They often affect starchy foods - bread, cereals, and potatoes.
Aspergillus can cause the following diseases:
- tuberculosis;
- osteoporosis;
- dementia;
- airway aspergillosis (complications - meningitis and encephalitis).
At the beginning of development, toxic fungi are white. But then they are able to accept any color, in particular yellow, gray or gray-green.
Some scientists believe that some types of mold spores can even cause cancer. Another dangerous disease associated with the use of fungi is zygomycosis. With it, mold blocks blood flow and causes oxygen starvation of cells, which can lead to the death of the patient.
Is it possible to give mold bread to birds?
It is forbidden to give mold bread (even cut) to birds. Mycotoxins are even more dangerous for them than for humans. The reason is low body weight and a sensitive respiratory system.
Even a couple of crumbs can be deadly. If you are going to feed the birds for a good purpose, give them only fresh food.
How to store bread so that it does not mold?
The smallest particles of mold spores are present in any kitchen. Therefore, you need to limit the contact of bread with open air. Wrap the product in a clean plastic bag and hide in a dry container.
From a safety point of view, it is best to store bread in the refrigerator. But the humidity in the chamber should not be higher than 45-50%. It should be recognized that with this storage method, the taste is significantly reduced.
In doing so, try not to store the product for longer than 3 days.After all, mold in the crumb begins to form from the inside, and you may not notice it. If you feel a change in taste, then the bread has already begun to deteriorate.
What other products should be discarded immediately when the first signs of mold appear?
Meat, lard, sausages, boiled pasta, casseroles, soft cheeses, cottage cheese, yoghurts, sour cream, jam and jams. Also, it makes no sense to cut off the affected areas from soft fruits. For example, tomatoes, cucumbers, peaches, grapes, berries.
Are there any products from which you can cut the mold, and eat the rest of it?
Yes. Safe foods include foods with a solid structure that prevents mold from spreading deeper. For example, hard cheeses, carrots, cabbage. But in addition to the affected area, at least 2 cm of the product must be cut off.
But what about the Camembert, Dorblu and Roquefort cheeses? Are they dangerous too?
Fungi on such cheeses have nothing to do with bread mold and do not secrete mycotoxins. However, many nutritionists are not advised to get involved in such products. In large quantities, cheeses with mold can disrupt the normal intestinal microflora and lead to gastrointestinal tract disorders.
So, it is absolutely impossible to eat moldy bread. Neither humans, nor birds, nor any other living organisms. In the best case, a mild digestive upset occurs, and the liver quickly neutralizes toxins. But in the worst, dangerous chronic diseases can develop. Take care of your health and eat only fresh food!