eating malatang led to a positive drug test? this is the correct way to eat malatang

Various meats, vegetables, tofu products, and other ingredients are immersed in a base pot with added chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and secret spices. Accompanied by the bubbling steam, mala tang, with its spicy and numbing taste, has conquered the taste buds of countless people.

Whether in the bustling night markets or on cold winter nights, mala tang is always a source of warmth and comfort.

But! Who would have thought that eating a seemingly ordinary meal of mala tang could result in a positive drug test?!

The incident happened in Wuxi. A couple was driving home as usual and encountered a routine police check. During this check, the couple's urine tests came back positive for morphine, even though neither had a history of drug use.

Could it be something they ate?

Upon investigation, the culprit turned out to be mala tang!

It turned out that the couple, along with their daughter and granddaughter, had eaten at a mala tang restaurant that afternoon. The daughter and granddaughter's urine tests also came back positive for morphine. Subsequently, the restaurant owner was arrested. The police discovered that the owner had been using poppy shell powder to make the mala tang base, making it addictive to attract customers.

What are the harms of poppy shells to the human body?

Poppy shells, the dried husks of poppies, have certain medicinal properties and are classified as controlled narcotic substances. Due to their special status, they pose challenges for regulation.

Long-term consumption of food containing poppy shells can lead to addiction and damage to the nervous system, causing chronic poisoning. Overconsumption can result in acute poisoning, leading to symptoms such as coma, respiratory depression, and low blood pressure, and in severe cases, respiratory failure and death.

How can you tell if your food contains poppy shells?

Here are three tips to help you determine if your food contains poppy shells.

1.After consuming hot pot or braised products containing poppy shells, you may feel a comfortable taste, increased heart rate, slight facial redness, and excitement that prevents sleep.

2. Poppy shells are oval or bottle-shaped, yellowish-white, light brown to pale purple, smooth and slightly glossy, with longitudinal or transverse cut marks. The top has 6-14 radiating disc-shaped residual stigmas. If you find similar substances in your food, they are likely poppy shells.

3. If you develop a dependency and frequently crave the food, it is likely that the food contains poppy shells.

So, how can you eat mala tang healthily?

Due to its ingredients, mala tang is not considered a very healthy food. But if you crave it, here are some tips from Jiayou Jun.

1. Eat at reputable restaurants

To control costs, many mala tang vendors operate as street stalls, and their broths are often reused, which is unhealthy. It's best to eat mala tang at reputable restaurants.

2. Balance meat and vegetables for nutrition

Many people prefer meat and avoid vegetables. To make mala tang healthier, balance meat and vegetables when eating. Mala tang usually offers a variety of leafy greens, tofu products, seaweed, mushrooms, fish, and eggs. A 2:1 ratio of vegetables to meat makes mala tang more nutritious than typical fast food and aligns with the principle of a varied diet.

3. Use sesame paste instead of red oil

Sesame paste is a healthier condiment as it is rich in calcium and vitamin E. Adding garlic juice and vinegar also has antibacterial properties, helping to prevent intestinal infections.

4. Eat in moderation to avoid overeating

Mala tang is delicious, but don't overeat. Those with sensitive stomachs or health issues should eat less or avoid it. Even if you are healthy, try to eat it sparingly, as mala tang can be harsh on the stomach.

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