5 dangers of eating unclean and improperly washed food

Food poisoning is one of the leading cause of hospitalization, of which, almost every individual is equally at risk. Cleaning the food properly or washing it is the first step to prevent many harmful diseases. Read on to know about 5 illnesses that may occur because of consuming raw and unclean foods.

From our childhood, we have been taught to eat clean food and wash particularly the fruits and vegetables thoroughly with water, to remove all sorts of harmful things from it. Read on to know why it is extremely important to eat properly washed food and the dangers associated with consuming foods that are not properly washed.

Salmonella. It is one of the most common reasons for food poisoning. Salmonella infection can result if contaminated eggs, raw fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized juice, milk, and cheese are consumed. Its symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, which can last from 4 to 7 days. In extreme cases, the infected individual may need hospitalization as well. To prevent salmonella infection, use vegetable or fruit wash, or any other recommended food wash.

E. coli. It is a bacteria that is present in the intestines of animals and humans. However, some strains of this bacteria can make us sick and lead to vomiting, bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, kidney failure, and in extreme cases even death. While most people feel better within 6 to 8 days of getting this infection; the illness can last from 5 to 10 days. Drinking ample fluids and rest is recommended. To prevent this illness use a vegetable and fruit wash, cook meat to adequate temperatures, and wash your hands before you start cooking.

Listeria. It is a bacteria found in water, soil, and some food products such as raw sprouts, ready to eat deli meats, soft cheese, refrigerated meat spreads, and other raw foods. Its symptoms include confusion, fever, weakness, stiff neck, and vomiting, which can last from many days to several weeks.

Hepatitis A. It is a disease that infects the liver and can be prevented by vaccination. This virus can be found in raw and under cooked shell fish growing in contaminated water, or by consuming contaminated water and uncooked foods. Its symptoms include jaundice, dark urine, fever, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain, which can last from 2 weeks to 3 months.

Shigella. In this disease, people get infected and excrete shigella bacteria in their feces. Its symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, which can last from 2 to 7 days. It can spread from consuming contaminated food or water. You have to be watchful while consuming foods such as sandwiches and salad that contain raw vegetables.