It's impossible to imagine winter without hot, comforting dishes like palak paneer (spinach and cottage cheese) or cabbage curry. But did you know that your favorite vegetables might harbor a hidden enemy that can directly attack your brain? Yes, we're talking about the parasite often referred to as the "brain worm." Let's learn what happens if this parasite enters your body and how to protect yourself.

In scientific terms, it's called porcine cysticercosis (Tapeworm). These are actually tapeworm eggs. These parasites are so small that they are not easily visible to the naked eye. They often cling to the layers of spinach and cabbage through contaminated water or soil.

What happens if the vegetable parasite enters your stomach?
They enter the bloodstream.
After entering the stomach, these eggs hatch and transform into small larvae. 

These larvae cross the intestinal wall and enter our bloodstream.

Brain attack
Through the blood, they can travel to any part of the body, but their favorite destination is the brain. When they reach the brain and form cysts, this condition is called 'neurocysticercosis'.

What are the symptoms?
Sudden, severe headaches.
Frequent epileptic seizures.
Weakness in any part of the body.
Blurred vision.
No need to panic, just take these precautions:

This doesn't mean you should stop eating vegetables altogether. Just a few simple precautions are necessary:

Before cutting spinach or cabbage, soak them in lukewarm water with salt for 10-15 minutes. This kills the parasites and their eggs.
Never eat half-cooked. Cooking at high temperatures eliminates these parasites. After cutting the vegetables, wash your hands and the knife thoroughly with soap.

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