Hidden dangers: Why brown spots on fruit may harm your health
Summer and spring are times when fresh fruits reign on our plates—juicy, full of vitamins, and perfect for refreshment. But beware! Not every fruit is safe to eat. Brown spots on the skin may indicate the presence of patulin, a toxin produced by moulds, which can wreak havoc on our bodies. How do you recognise it and protect yourself?
The season for fresh fruits is a joy and a moment of healthy indulgence for many of us. Why give up on what's natural and delicious? The problem is that even the most beautiful fruit can hide danger beneath its skin. Patulin is a silent enemy—a toxic substance that appears with mould growth, and its effects can lead to serious health issues, from allergies to organ damage. Unfortunately, getting rid of it isn't as simple as cutting out a few brown spots. It's better to know the facts and learn how to deal with them.
Fruits with brown spots—why can they be dangerous?
Patulin is a potent mycotoxin produced by moulds that develop on rotting fruits, especially apples, pears, berries, or soft fruits. Its presence is associated with the risk of serious health consequences—from digestive issues, allergies, and fungal infections to damage to the liver and respiratory system. Worse yet, patulin is suspected of being carcinogenic.
The problem is that mould can develop inside the fruit, not necessarily leaving large visible spots outside. Therefore, cutting out a few brown fragments is often insufficient, as the toxin penetrates further and remains active even during cooking or baking. As a result, consuming contaminated fruit can be highly hazardous. You could suffer from severe poisoning or other health problems, such as weakened immunity or allergies.
How to protect yourself from patulin? A few simple rules:
- Choose fruits wisely: Carefully inspect fruits before purchasing and avoid those with discolourations, spots, and signs of mould, even if they are tiny.
- Store properly: Keep fruits in a cool, dry place, away from moisture, as a damp environment promotes mould growth.
- Check regularly: Monitor the fruits you already have at home and remove those that start to spoil immediately.
- Maintain hygiene: Wash your hands, clean tools, and kitchen surfaces to prevent the spread of mould to other products.
Remember, fruits are an invaluable source of vitamins, but they should be eaten wisely. Brown spots or signs of decay are not just cosmetic defects but warnings that shouldn’t be ignored. It's better to discard a suspicious fruit than risk your health.
