Be careful with the trend on social media: Racing to 'mukbang' sweet bamboo shoots, beware...

Recently, eating videos (mukbang) of sweet bamboo shoots have attracted many followers on social networks. However, many health experts say that if not prepared properly or eating too much of this type of bamboo shoots will be harmful.

According to the viral clips, initially a small group of people bought sweet bamboo shoots to eat and expressed their feelings on social networks: The bamboo shoots have a distinct sweet taste, are more delicious and easier to eat than regular bamboo shoots... From there, a "wave" was created, causing many people to rush to "hunt" and buy them to experience. It is worth mentioning that many people not only "eat for the sake of knowing" but also eat a large amount of sweet bamboo shoots at once and show them off on social networks.

Many clips on social networks spread the trend of eating bamboo shoots.

Photo: Screenshot

Risk of poisoning, kidney stones

According to Master - Doctor Le Ngo Minh Nhu, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Campus 3, fresh bamboo shoots generally contain a natural toxin called cyanogenic glycoside, which can be converted into hydrocyanic acid (HCN) - a strong poison. If not processed properly or eaten too much bamboo shoots, the following problems may occur:

Cyanide poisoning : Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing, and even coma (rare but dangerous).

Calcium loss : Oxalic acid in bamboo shoots can combine with calcium to form insoluble oxalate, which can easily cause kidney stones if eaten regularly and without enough water.

Causes bloating and indigestion due to high fiber content if eaten in excess.

Drug interactions : Some components in bamboo shoots may interfere with blood pressure or thyroid medications.

How to prepare and dosage when eating sweet bamboo shoots

Accordingly, Dr. Minh Nhu advises everyone to carefully prepare bamboo shoots before using:

• Boil bamboo shoots at least 1-2 times in boiling water, changing the water between boiling times.
• Open the pot lid when boiling to let the toxic gas escape.
• Soak boiled bamboo shoots in clean water for 1-2 hours or overnight to remove any remaining toxins.
• Do not eat raw bamboo shoots that are not thoroughly cooked, especially newly picked young bamboo shoots.
• Avoid using bamboo shoots that are spoiled, rotten, or have a strange smell or unusual color.

“To ensure health when eating bamboo shoots, the recommended safe limit is about 50-100g of boiled bamboo shoots/day (equivalent to 1-2 small bowls). For healthy people, eating bamboo shoots 2-3 times/week is a reasonable amount. Eating too much can cause bloating, indigestion or absorption of excess toxins if not prepared properly,” said Dr. Minh Nhu.

Boil bamboo shoots at least 1-2 times in boiling water, changing the water between boiling times.

Photo: AI

What are the effects of eating sweet bamboo shoots?

Sweet bamboo shoots are the young part of the bamboo plant. They have a slightly sweet, crunchy, easy-to-eat taste and are often used in many traditional dishes. According to traditional medicine and modern nutrition, sweet bamboo shoots bring many health benefits:

Rich in fiber : Bamboo shoots contain high fiber content, which helps aid digestion, prevent constipation and control blood sugar levels.

Low calories : Very suitable for dieters and weight control.

Providing micronutrients : Bamboo shoots contain potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, which help boost immunity and improve nerve and muscle function.

Antioxidants : Some compounds in bamboo shoots have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Cholesterol-lowering support : Studies show that bamboo shoots can help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood.

Although bamboo shoots have many recorded effects, the following subjects should be cautious when using them:

Pregnant women : Due to the risk of poisoning and digestive effects.

Children under 2 years old : Digestive system is not fully developed, susceptible to absorption disorders.

People with a history of kidney stones : Bamboo shoots may increase the risk of oxalate deposits.

People with stomach disease, colitis : Bamboo shoots contain a lot of crude fiber which can irritate the intestinal lining.

People with gout : Some types of bamboo shoots can increase purines, making the condition worse.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/can-trong-trao-luu-tren-mang-xa-hoi-dua-nhau-mukbang-mang-vau-ngot-coi-chung-185250518203627369.htm