5. Spinach and other leafy vegetables
Spinach when reheated can cause ‘Blue Baby Syndrome’.
Spinach and other leafy vegetables can contain high concentrations of nitrate, depending on where the vegetable is grown.
Nitrate itself is totally harmless, but it can be converted to nitrites and then to nitrosamines – some of which are known to be carcinogenic, according to the European Food Information Council.
These can affect the bloodstream’s ability to carry oxygen and in young children can cause a condition known as “Blue Baby Syndrome”.
The Council therefore advises avoiding reheating spinach.