Can consuming uncooked bamboo shoots trigger poisoning?

Reply:

Bamboo shoots are a standard dish in each household. They’re wealthy in fiber, protein, carbohydrates, amino acids and minerals. Nevertheless, uncooked bamboo shoots are toxic as a result of they comprise compounds that may produce cyanide. When consumed, cyanide transforms into hydrocyanic acid (HCN) beneath the motion of digestive enzymes, which might simply trigger poisoning.

Circumstances of poisoning subsequently usually happen because of consuming uncooked bamboo shoots with out boiling or consuming the water used to boil them. Youngsters and malnourished individuals normally have extra extreme poisoning.

Bamboo shoots poisoning normally happens roughly half-hour after consumption and causes nausea, vomiting, complications, and dizziness. They could additionally trigger convulsions, respiratory failure, and even loss of life in extreme instances.

Thinly sliced bamboo shoots ready and positioned on a woven basket. Photograph by VnExpress/Bui Thuy

To be protected, it’s crucial to pick and course of bamboo shoots accurately. It’s advisable to organize them your self and keep away from soaking them in bleaching brokers. It’s best to wash and soak the bamboo shoots with salt water or rice water earlier than boiling them a number of occasions. The water used for boiling have to be discarded afterwards. When boiling, go away the pot uncovered to permit the toxins to evaporate.

You must also buy bamboo shoots from respected sources with a assured origin to eat with out worrying.

You need to not eat uncooked bamboo shoots. Solely eat bamboo shoots which were completely soaked and boiled to make sure your security. In the event you expertise signs of poisoning, search medical consideration instantly to keep away from extreme problems.

Dr. Nguyen Duy Thinh

Former lecturer on the Hanoi College of Science and Expertise’s Institute of Biotechnology and Meals Expertise