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Some people believe that eating raw tempeh is good for your health because it contains good bacteria or probiotics. However, others argue that eating raw tempeh carries the risk of disease due to exposure to bacteria, fungi, or parasites. So, is eating raw tempeh actually safe or dangerous?
Tempe is known as a cheap, nutritious source of vegetable protein and a mainstay of Indonesian families. Besides protein, tempeh also contains antioxidants isoflavones, probiotics, fiber, healthy fats, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, iron, and zinc which are good for health.
Generally, tempeh is processed by frying, boiling, or steaming to make it more delicious and safe to consume. However, some people prefer to eat raw tempeh because it is considered more natural or practical. Raw tempeh is often used as a complement to sambal lalapan (spicy salad) or eaten directly with chili. However, is eating raw tempeh really healthier than cooked tempeh?
Safety Facts About Eating Raw Tempeh
Actually, the nutritional content of raw tempeh is not much different from cooked tempeh. The cooking process can reduce the nutritional content of tempeh, such as vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folate, and antioxidants.
However, the cooking process doesn't necessarily make cooked tempeh less nutritious. The loss of nutrients isn't significant, so the nutritional value of cooked tempeh remains high.
Conversely, eating raw tempeh can actually affect the body's absorption of minerals. This is because raw tempeh contains antinutrients, such as phytic acid, which can inhibit the absorption of important minerals, such as iron and zinc. Well, if consumed regularly in the long term, it can affect the body's nutritional intake.
In addition, consuming raw tempeh, especially if the tempeh is produced or processed in a less than hygienic manner, can increase your risk of contracting bacterial infections, fungi, or parasites.
Consuming food contaminated with these germs can result in food poisoning. Pregnant women, children, the elderly, and people with cancer or HIV are particularly susceptible to this condition because their immune systems are weaker than others.
Food poisoning, whether caused by bacterial, fungalor parasitic infections, can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and fever. Not only that, in some people, eating raw tempeh can also cause allergic reactions, such as the appearance of a red rash on the skin, itching, or swelling in several areas of the body. Therefore, to prevent health problems from eating raw tempeh, you are advised to cook the tempeh until it is completely cooked before consuming it. To maintain its nutritional content, simply cook tempeh over medium heat for just a few minutes.
Tips for Storing and Processing Tempeh for Safe Consumption
Besides avoiding raw tempeh, you can also prevent various health problems caused by eating raw tempeh by practicing proper storage and processing methods.
Here are some tips for properly storing and processing tempeh for safe consumption:
- Always wash your hands before and after processing tempeh to prevent the transfer of germs from the tempeh to your hands or vice versa.
- Choose tempeh that is fresh, clean white, not slimy, and does not smell sour.
- Store tempeh in a closed container in the refrigerator, do not leave it at room temperature for too long if not immediately prepared.
- Cook tempeh until it is completely cooked, either by boiling, steaming, or lightly frying.
Based on the explanation above, eating raw tempeh is highly discouraged as it can cause various health problems. Therefore, avoid consuming raw tempeh, especially for vulnerable groups, and follow the tips for storing and processing tempeh correctly above.
This way, the risk of health problems from eating raw tempeh can be prevented, and you will still get the optimal nutritional benefits of tempeh.
However, if you or a family member has eaten raw or undercooked tempeh and experiences symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain after consuming it, immediately consult a doctor through the Chat with a Doctorfeature in the ALODOKTER app to get the right treatment.
Label : Healthy living
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