According to MSc. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Tuan, lecturer at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University , Hanoi , some foods can turn into toxins, harming health and even causing food poisoning or cancer if left overnight. Below are 5 types of food that should not be left overnight:

Seafood

Seafood is a food rich in minerals and vitamins that are very good for health, especially calcium and zinc.

However, seafood left overnight in the refrigerator will no longer retain those nutrients. Instead, it will turn into harmful substances that affect the liver and kidneys.

Because seafood is very high in protein, it attracts bacteria that feed on its shell, creating harmful pathogens. Therefore, when preparing seafood, you should cook only enough to avoid wasting food.

Boiled vegetables

Vegetables are rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins, which are extremely good for health and provide essential nutrients for the body's development.

However, some scientific studies suggest that one should avoid eating boiled vegetables that have been left overnight, as they contain high levels of nitrates. When vegetables are cooked and left overnight, along with the growth and invasion of bacteria, nitrates are converted into nitrites, which are a type of carcinogen.

Fried eggs, boiled eggs

Many people have a habit of eating undercooked fried eggs or soft-boiled eggs, which are dishes where the eggs are not fully cooked. When cooked and left overnight in the refrigerator, these create a favorable environment for the rapid growth of harmful bacteria that can affect the intestines and digestive system. Therefore, fried eggs and boiled eggs should not be eaten after being refrigerated overnight.

Mushroom

Cooked mushrooms, when left overnight in the refrigerator, can easily cause food poisoning. Therefore, you should avoid reusing dishes made with mushrooms if they have been left overnight.

Soups

Leftover soup left overnight in metal pots such as aluminum or stainless steel can easily produce toxins harmful to health. In addition, soups containing seasonings like fish sauce, salt, and MSG can cause chemical reactions that lead to poisoning, which over time can damage bone marrow, cause anemia, kidney failure, liver failure, and even cancer.

If you want to save the soup for later, it's best not to add any other seasonings, or you can put the soup in a ceramic or glass bowl and store it in the refrigerator.