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) below the motion of digestive enzymes, which might simply trigger poisoning.

Circumstances of poisoning due to this fact typically happen on account of consuming uncooked bamboo shoots with out boiling or ingesting the water used to boil them. Kids and malnourished individuals often have extra extreme poisoning.

Bamboo shoots poisoning often happens roughly half-hour after consumption and causes nausea, vomiting, complications, and dizziness. They might additionally trigger convulsions, respiratory failure, and even demise in extreme instances.

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

To be protected, it’s needed 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 is best to wash and soak the bamboo shoots with salt water or rice water earlier than boiling them a number of instances. The water used for boiling should be discarded afterwards. When boiling, depart 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 should not eat uncooked bamboo shoots. Solely eat bamboo shoots which were totally soaked and boiled to make sure your security. If you happen to expertise signs of poisoning, search medical consideration instantly to keep away from extreme issues.

Dr. Nguyen Duy Thinh

Former lecturer on the Hanoi College of Science and Know-how’s Institute of Biotechnology and Meals Know-how