The refrigerator is a source of infection
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
In Britain, a team of scientists conducted an interesting study in which a place was identified in the kitchen, most populated with harmful bacteria and dangerous for human health. As it turned out the most dirty place is located in the refrigerator - that's where a huge number of microbes live.
In the vegetable compartments, an incredible number of harmful microorganisms accumulate - 8 thousand bacteria can accumulate on 1 square centimeter, which is 750 times higher than the level safe for human health. In the European regulations there is a clause in which the maximum permissible amount of bacteria is indicated on the surfaces where food is stored - by standards it is not more than 10 units. The number of microbes that British scientists have detected in refrigerators exceeds all permissible standards.
According to experts, microorganisms that are dangerous to human health, for example, such as salmonella, E. Coli, etc. , may appear in the refrigerator . Studies have shown that such bacteria live mainly in storage compartments for vegetables and fruits. Experts also found that the more foods stored in the refrigerator, the faster it multiplies microorganisms, resulting in people being exposed - many bacteria are dangerous agents of food poisoning.
In their article, scientists gave several examples of how products can trigger dangerous diseases. Frozen syrks with expired shelf life, melted ice cream, raw milk, yesterday's salads can become a source of reproduction for listeria, which causes severe food poisoning. Bacteria in the body produce dangerous toxins that can harm the central nervous system, the brain. Specialists note that these bacteria are especially dangerous for pregnant women, as they can harm the fetus and provoke a miscarriage.
British experts are sure that before you send vegetables and fruits to the refrigerator they must be washed - this will help prevent the proliferation of dangerous bacteria and take care of your own health. But not only fruits and vegetables need to be washed - the refrigerator also needs regular cleaning. Scientists recommend 1-2 times a month to wash the refrigerator with hot soapy water, which will also help control the number of microorganisms.
Another interesting study was conducted by scientists from Minnesota, who said that eating in front of the TV can cause obesity. Experts are sure that people who prefer to eat while watching their favorite TV show have weaker health in comparison with those who eat in the circle of relatives.
Scientists studied families with children from 6 to 12 years old and concluded that more than 40% of families eat with the TV on, 30% prefer communication during lunch or dinner. According to experts, the whole matter in the organization of food intake - in front of the TV screen food is eaten faster, and the brain almost does not control the amount eaten, which leads to overeating and the appearance of excess weight.
[