10. Sprouts can make you seriously sick
Any food that’s eaten raw can cause food poisoning but there’s one that over 50’s should definitely give a miss – the humble sprout.
A study conducted by the FDA found that sprouts are highly likely to contain pathogens, due to the warm, moist, nutrient rich environment they grow in. The same study found salmonella and listeria on some of the sprout samples they tested, which cause serious symptoms, like diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and dehydration. In older people, eating sprouts poisoned with salmonella or listeria can even be fatal!
Sprouts do contain high levels of important nutrients, such as magnesium, folate, phosphorus, and vitamin K – but so do foods that are cooked, such as broccoli and kale.
If you’re over 50, you’re more likely to experience severe health effects from eating a bad batch of sprouts because as we age, our immune systems don’t work as efficiently. This is partly due to the fact that our bodies can’t absorb nutrients as well. As there have been so many instances of sprouts causing food poisoning and the companies that sell them can’t guarantee they will be free of harmful bacteria, it’s best to give sprouts a swerve. If you’re enjoying your fifth decade or beyond, this is especially important – so we recommend swapping out sprouts for healthier options, like broccoli instead.
Also Read: 20 Foods That Help Can Reduce The Risk Of Cancer
