Popular home-made dishes include dried fish, puffed fish, smoked fish, prahok, etc., which most Cambodians eat from the beginning. These foods can be eaten in all seasons, and some homes are almost indispensable to buy more. Although delicious, we should reduce some because studies have shown that these foods can also affect health.
1. Stained fish
Prof. Dr. Eav Sokha, Head of Oncology and Hematology at Calmette Hospital, claims that regular consumption of swollen fish can increase the risk of stomach cancer because these foods are high in salt. He cites scientific evidence that Japanese people like to eat stale fish, which is why Japanese people have a higher rate of stomach cancer than any other person in the world.
In addition, eating too much salt can cause our body to become salty, dehydrated, causing high blood pressure, heart disease and osteoporosis.
2. Smoked fish
Studies show that eating a lot of smoked fish can increase the risk of cancer, especially gastrointestinal cancer, because smoked fish contains PAHs and HCAs. Roasting fish dries out water and fish oil, creating a smoke that is filled with PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) that penetrate the fish, and when the fish is cooked through, it forms the chemical HCAs (heterocyclic amines). Both PAHs and HCAs cause DNA mutations that increase the risk of cancer.
3. Prahok and Freeze
Prahok and stew contain a lot of salt, so eating more prahok and stew has the same effect as eating fish. The prahok, dried fish, and dried fish sold on the market may contain formalin, which is used to preserve food, and sodium hydroxide, also known as whitening powder, which can be harmful to health.
To maintain good health, we should reduce the intake of these foods by eating from time to time and turn to eating foods rich in vitamins, iron and protein is good. Fish, eggs, kale, tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers and fresh fruits are good sources of nutrients and prevent iron deficiency.