WHY COOKED FOOD SHOULD BE CONSUMED WITHIN THIS TIME FRAME: WHO

As per a recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), every year 420,000 people worldwide lose their lives due to eating contaminated food. As per this report, every year 600 million people worldwide fall ill due to eating contaminated food. Incorrect eating practices are largely responsible for this, including not eating cooked food immediately. Thus the nodal organisation has asked people to consume the cooked food immediately.

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As per the WHO report, this is a healthy practice to consume cooked food immediately. However, sometimes delays happen for various reasons. Most of us do not take this seriously, but this practice is not healthy. Delaying the consumption of cooked food can lead to illness.

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Many people lose significant time being sick from eating contaminated food. Incorrect eating practices are a major cause of these situations. The WHO has issued guidelines for preparing and consuming food to reduce the risk of foodborne diseases, one of which is to eat food immediately after cooking.

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During cooking, harmful bacteria in food are almost destroyed. However, if cooked food is left to cool between 5 and 60 degrees C, bacteria can begin to grow again, increasing the risk of foodborne diseases.

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Reduced nutritional value

Experts believe that some nutrients and vitamins are sensitive to heat, air, and light over time. These nutrients may be damaged if cooked food is eaten after a long delay, reducing the health value of the food.

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Decreased taste

If you leave cooked food to cool and eat it later, its taste decreases significantly compared to fresh food. Even reheating the food does not restore the original flavour and taste. Additionally, some cooking methods trigger chemical reactions while cooking, which continue after the food is cooked. This can lead to undesirable changes in the food's quality if eaten too late.

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What does the Ayurveda say?

If we look back to earlier times, Ayurveda also believes that food should be eaten soon after preparation to retain its prana, or life energy, which is essential for good health and digestion. Freshly cooked food is easier to digest, enhances nutrient absorption, and maintains the body's balance of doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). According to Ayurveda, consuming food that has been left out for too long can lead to the accumulation of ama, or toxins, which can disrupt digestion and overall well-being. Hence, timely consumption of freshly prepared meals is highly recommended.

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