Food grown in space called a threat to human health

Plants help the spread of dangerous bacteria in space

Astronauts eat mostly prepared foods. In recent years, their choice has expanded: people in orbit have learned to grow plants. But the scientists who themselves proposed this indicate that this can be dangerous to health.

Photo: ru.wikipedia.org

Several years ago, astronauts had the opportunity to diversify their diet with crispy, fresh salad. It can even be grown on the International Space Station.

“There is a research station in space, but not very far from the Earth's surface. Everything was prepared by hand. It would be very good if in the future we go to Mars and spend several months in a spaceship,” experts say.

But scientists conducting a new study are concerned that astronauts could get a severe stomach ache from salad grown in space. The fact is that it may contain a lot of bacteria.

According to experts, there is a problem with raw foods that people eat without cooking them first. While bacteria in meat that is fried or broccoli that is cooked are killed by heat, bacteria in lettuce live on.

But on a space station, in a worst-case scenario, there can be a lot of dangerous bacteria , say researchers from the University of Delaware. Bacteria can live in the tiny cavities of lettuce leaves or other plants. And if people eat food containing such bacteria, they can become seriously ill.

The fact is that plants have tiny pores on their leaves that they use for breathing. They usually close when uninvited guests, such as bacteria, enter them. It is this protective function that plants seem to have problems with when they are grown without gravity.

Bacteria are everywhere. Inside us, in animals and plants. Especially in the foods we eat. By and large, there is no danger. About seven people live and work on the International Space Station at any given time. Space station – the size of a football field. People live there in cramped conditions. This gives bacteria the opportunity to multiply.

The scientists who conducted the study believe it is necessary to take action to ensure that astronauts do not get sick from the food they eat. This could completely ruin their mission.

Scientists want to help astronauts continue to eat their greens. They will study different types of lettuce and find out which ones protect against bacteria better.