The risks of consuming cold-mixed wood ear mushrooms

Feb 27, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Eating too much cold-mixed wood ear fungus may increase the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract, leading to indigestion. In addition, if pathogenic bacteria are not effectively eliminated during preparation, it may cause gastroenteritis. If the wood ear fungus has been soaked for a prolonged period, it might produce a substance called bongkrekic acid; consuming it could lead to poisoning, manifesting as symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headache.

The potential risks of consuming cold-mixed wood ear fungus generally include indigestion, gastroenteritis, and poisoning.

1. Indigestion

Wood ear fungus usually contains abundant dietary fiber and gelatinous substances. Consuming excessive amounts may increase the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract, leading to indigestion, bloating, diarrhea, and similar symptoms.

2. Gastroenteritis

Cold-mixed wood ear fungus is typically prepared by soaking in hot or warm water. If the fungus has been stored for a prolonged period and consumed without proper handling, pathogenic bacteria may not be effectively removed during soaking. This could allow pathogens to enter the body and cause gastroenteritis, negatively affecting health.

3. Poisoning

If wood ear fungus is soaked for too long, it may produce a substance called bongkrekic acid. Ingesting this substance can lead to poisoning, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain around the navel, as well as anxiety, palpitations, dizziness, and headaches.

Generally, moderate consumption of fresh cold-mixed wood ear fungus does not negatively affect health, so individuals need not worry excessively.


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