Will eating too much wood ear mushroom make you gain weight?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Huang Yuhong

Introduction

In general, eating too much wood ear fungus (black fungus) will not lead to weight gain and may actually aid in weight management. However, attention should be paid to cooking methods, as improper preparation may increase the risk of gaining weight. It is recommended to use healthy cooking methods such as light stir-frying, cold mixing, or making soups when consuming wood ear fungus regularly. Controlling the overall portion size is also important. Pairing it with vegetables, lean meat, and other nutritious ingredients helps ensure a balanced diet while taking full advantage of its low-calorie benefits.

Generally speaking, eating too much wood ear mushroom (black fungus) will not lead to weight gain and may actually support weight management. However, the cooking method matters—improper preparation may increase the risk of gaining weight. Here's a detailed explanation:

Wood ear mushrooms are extremely low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, which enhances satiety, reduces intake of other high-calorie foods, promotes intestinal motility, and supports metabolic health. Whether rehydrated dried wood ear or fresh wood ear, its inherent nutritional properties make it unlikely to contribute to weight gain, making it suitable for individuals aiming to manage their weight.

However, adding large amounts of oil during cooking—such as deep-frying wood ear or dressing it with excessive sesame oil—can significantly increase the overall calorie content of the dish. Long-term and excessive consumption of such high-fat preparations may lead to calorie accumulation and indirectly raise the likelihood of weight gain. Therefore, the cooking method is a key factor influencing whether weight gain might occur.

For daily consumption, it is recommended to prepare wood ear mushrooms using healthy methods such as light stir-frying, cold mixing, or boiling in soup, while controlling portion sizes. Combining them with vegetables, lean meat, and other nutritious ingredients helps ensure balanced nutrition and maximizes their low-calorie benefits, further supporting effective weight management.

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Can I still eat the wood ear mushrooms soaked in the morning if it's now evening?

Wood ear mushrooms soaked in the morning can be eaten at night. However, if soaked in a warm environment—such as at room temperature during summer—for more than 8 hours, they may spoil due to bacterial growth, showing signs like stickiness, sour smell, or a slippery surface. Consuming such spoiled mushrooms may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. They should be discarded immediately and not consumed.

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Is there an incubation period for poisoning from eating wood ear mushrooms?

Under normal circumstances, poisoning from consuming black fungus (wood ear mushroom) usually has an incubation period, the duration of which varies depending on factors such as the type of toxin, amount ingested, individual differences, and cooking methods. When rehydrating dried black fungus, use clean lukewarm water for no more than 2 hours; if room temperature is high, it can be refrigerated. Thoroughly wash and fully cook the fungus before consumption—avoid eating it raw or undercooked.

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What are the symptoms of poisoning from eating wood ear mushrooms?

Poisoning from consuming wood ear mushrooms is mostly caused by eating mushrooms that have been soaked for too long, are moldy, or undercooked. The primary cause is toxins produced by Pseudomonas cocovenenans. Symptoms progress gradually from mild to severe and mainly include gastrointestinal discomfort, neurological abnormalities, signs of liver and kidney damage, systemic reactions, and a tendency to bleed. To prevent wood ear mushroom poisoning, do not soak the mushrooms for more than 2 hours.

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Can eating raw wood ear mushrooms cause poisoning?

In general, whether eating raw wood ear mushrooms causes poisoning depends on the type of mushroom and how it is prepared. Dried wood ear mushrooms that are fully rehydrated and thoroughly cooked are safe to eat and will not cause poisoning. However, consuming fresh wood ear mushrooms or improperly soaked and undercooked dried ones may lead to poisoning. For daily consumption, dried wood ear mushrooms are preferred. They should be soaked briefly in cold water, consumed promptly after rehydration, or refrigerated if not used immediately.