Brits have been warned about warming up their Christmas leftovers this festive season as it could cause serious health risks, an expert said.
A British dietician uploaded a video on TikTok in which she explained how warming up the leftovers could lead to trouble for our gut health.
Most of the Christmas leftovers, like potatoes, yorkshire puddings, parsnips and stuffing, are high in carbohydrates. When re-heated, their chemical structure changes, making them “resistant” to digestion.
Re-heating the cooked food may also increase the risk of food poisoning, and can also trigger debilitating digestive symptoms — especially in those prone to bloating, dietitians have warned.
Josie Porter said in the video on TikTok: “We can expect symptoms like bloating, gas and even pain.” She explained: “If we consume resistant starch in large amounts it can cause use some gut symptoms because it ferments in our large intestine.”
Food “resistant” to digestion becomes stagnant in the gut, where it ferments and releases painful and unpleasant-smelling gas.
Last year, @disastersurvival_coach on TikTok advised people to be careful, sharing useful guidelines to follow, particularly regarding meat.
Any leftover cooked turkey, ham, roast beef or other meats should be stored within two hours of serving. They need to be sliced off the bone and secured in shallow, airtight containers.
According to the expert, food items can remain fresh for three to four days, but freezing them could extend their shelf life.
For turkey, it’s crucial to ensure the thickest part of the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165F before refrigeration. It’s also important to separate stuffing from the meat.
Many cooked vegetables such as green beans, mashed potatoes and sweet potato casseroles can stay fresh in airtight containers for three to four days when stored in the fridge.
However, leafy greens tend to wilt more quickly and should be consumed within a few days. Provided they’re not laden with cream or butter, most vegetable-based leftovers can be frozen for one to three months.
