It's an all-too-familiar scene: yourself standing there, staring intriguingly at a fuzzy patch that was once your edible bread. Yet, many remain oblivious to the fact that mold represents a far graver issue than we give it credit for.
There is a lot of hype around the benefits of microbes… mold, being a form of microbes. But then there is also talk about the great microbes that sustain our gut. It’s important to keep mold separate from the good bacteria that support our health.
Don’t get me wrong... mold plays a crucial role outside by transforming organic matter back into soil nutrients, but we really shouldn’t eat the mold itself. It can pose serious health risks.
The presence of mold isn’t always as visible as we'd like it to be. Some molds announce their unwelcome visit through visible growths while others keep their actions under wraps, producing toxins beneath the surface of foods unnoticed. Sometimes, even after you've scraped off what seems like every single trace of these ugly presences; toxins can still permeate undetected and can potentially prove harmful to us.
That moldy cheese may do more than just make you cringe—mold exposure can lead to dire health consequences often undermined and overlooked by many people; medical practitioners included. Molds generate mycotoxins primarily in warm and humid conditions which can lead to mild allergies or significantly severe health situations.
We are often unaware of how food molds can instigate disease. Aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus mold are associated with around 28 percent of cases of liver cancer globally - this is a prime example highlighting how detrimental food molds can prove to human health.
Diagnosing mold-related ailments becomes challenging not only because these fit well with symptoms of other commonly occurring conditions but also because of lackadaisical awareness within the medical community about the health effects caused by fungi and their toxins. Both conditions coupled together result in false diagnoses, hindering test results and subsequent treatment.
It also puts undue stress on the body. Prolonged exposure instigates our immune system into a defensive mode, which might lead to silent inflammation detrimental to organs such as the gut, brain & liver. This can also cause mental fogginess and impact the gut biome balance, which regulates hormonal balance. An imbalanced gut biome has actually been associated with depression and anxiety along with other physical and mental ailments.
Culinary science states the importance of well-planned food storage and the practice of vigilant inspection for mold. In general, food items with visible mold must not be consumed. But there are several foods where you might NOT see the mold…
Here are the key “shelf-stable” foods you will want to rethink your storage and handling with:
- Coffee- Our morning cups of java can contain ochratoxin A (OTA) which is a mold byproduct. It can be very harmful to kidneys and increase cancer risk. Choose beans that were grown in cool, dry climates. Aim for wet-processed or sun-dried beans. Check labels to see if your coffee is certified as mold and toxin-free. Store in a cool dry place at home to make sure no moisture gets trapped in the container that could support mold growth.
- Nuts: Nuts exposed to any moisture may be at risk for developing aflatoxins, which can cause inflammation, reduced energy, and brain fogginess. Store nuts in dry, airtight containers in cool, dark places. A great plan is to actually freeze them.
- Jerky: This dried form of meat can actually pose potent risks for mold contamination. When dry-curing is done traditionally, the meat is left to dry, exposing it to mold growth. Some bacterial growth can be helpful to the body, but others can be harmful as well. Look for a brand that offers transparency in their curing process and how they mitigate potential harmful toxins during the process.
- Dried Fruit: Fruit lovers need special caution too. Many commercially dried fruits have already begun the aging process and cannot be sold fresh, so they are processed into their dried counterparts. Sometimes moldy fruits can slip through because has been washed or haven’t become visible yet. One way to mitigate this is to get a dehydrator of your own and dry your fresh produce. Another way, similar to jerky, is to find a brand that is transparent about its processing of these fruits
The world of food mold can seem a bit daunting but don't worry. There are many strategies within your grasp to keep the food in your home safe and mold-free.
Firstly, become an attentive shopper. Double-check items like nuts, coffee beans, dry-cured meats, and dried fruits before you bring them home. A little research into brands that follow strict safety standards can go a long way.
Secondly, store correctly. Utilize those cool and dark places in your pantry or invest in air-tight containers to keep foods like nuts fresh. Don't be shy about using your freezer – it's a great weapon against mold.
Thirdly, love your fridge but let it have its beauty rest occasionally too! While refrigeration is good at slowing down spoilage processes, remember that it isn’t an impenetrable shield against molds.
Last but most importantly: when in doubt - throw it out!
Navigating the complexities of food mold may seem overwhelming at first but remember - knowledge is power! You're armed with helpful awareness of what to look for and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Keep practicing mindful shopping habits alongside implementing proper storage procedures leading you towards safer culinary paths - it's all part of the great adventure we call life. Eat save and serve safely!