Is eating vegetables stored overnight in the fridge good?

January 10, 2024 | 05:00 pm PT
I often cook vegetables in the evening, store them in the refrigerator, and eat them the next day. Is this good for my health? (Huynh, 27, Dong Nai)

Answer:

Green vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that benefit our body. Consuming plenty of green vegetables can help lower the cholesterol level and promote a healthy digestive system due to their diverse role in gut microbiota.

Vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that benefit our body. Illustration photo by Freepik

Vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that benefit our body. Illustration photo by Freepik

However, vegetables contain a lot of water, which creates a suitable environment for harmful microorganisms to grow. Vegetables can also ferment, producing substances that are not good for our health. Moreover, essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals can undergo changes when vegetables are stored in the refrigerator for too long.

Therefore, it is advised to consume vegetables within three to four hours since they are cooked and avoid storing them in the fridge overnight to consume them the next day. This helps prevent negative effects on the digestive system like diarrhea, disruptions in gut microbiota, weakened immune function, and potential malnutrition if the practice is prolonged.

Dr. Dinh Tran Ngoc Mai

HCMC University of Medicine and Pharmacy

 
 
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