The risks of consuming cold-mixed wood ear mushrooms
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.