Rotten tomatoes, pepper cause cancer, kidney damage, doctor warns
A medical doctor has disclosed that consumption of rotten tomatoes and pepper fondly referred to as ‘eesa’ or ‘baaje’ can cause cancer and damage kidney and liver because they contain harmful microorganisms such as fungi that produce mycotoxins.
According to The Punch report, a clip that went viral on social media, the doctor identified as Wale, indicated that those who eat rotten tomatoes and pepper face several health risks.
While explaining how rotten tomatoes and pepper get contaminated and attract fungi and produce mycotoxins, Dr Wale noted: “Because they are broken, this type of tomatoes are easily accessible to flies, which deposit germs and eggs inside them. But, that’s not the worst part. As these tomatoes break, microorganisms invade them, causing them to rot. Among these microorganisms are fungi known to produce something known as mycotoxins. Meanwhile, mycotoxins have been linked to cancers and induction of immune deficiency in humans; and because tomatoes contain lots of fluid, the mycotoxins spread faster to all parts of the tomatoes.”
Fresh tomatoes are vegetables rich in Vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants. Rotten tomatoes, however, aren’t fresh in any way but are soft pieces of piled tomatoes sold at cheaper prices to people who cannot afford the fresher options.
While displaying rotten tomatoes on a plate, the doctor warned that the current tough economic situation in Nigeria should not be an excuse for people to eat ‘poison.’
“Fellow Nigerians, good morning. I know that because of the economy, you are saving money on so many things. But please, if you see these things, (rotten tomatoes and peppers) in the market, run away,” Dr Wale said.
“Just because we are in a ‘rogbodiyan’ (tough) economy does not mean you should start eating poison, because this type of tomato can cause cancer,” the doctor stressed.
Dr Wale also stated that boiling and washing rotten tomatoes and pepper are not enough to rid them of the mycotoxins.
