Dried Bamboo Shoots Soup: A Traditional Vietnamese Dish with a Cautious Consumption Advice
Dried bamboo shoots soup is a traditional dish commonly found on festive tables during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. According to Dr. Truong Hong Son, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Medical Association and Director of the Institute of Nutrition, 100 grams of dried bamboo shoots contain 23 grams of water, 13 grams of protein, 2.1 grams of lipids, 21.5 grams of carbohydrates, and 36 grams of fiber. The fiber content in bamboo shoots is even higher than in some fresh vegetables.
However, dried bamboo shoots also contain a significant amount of glycocid. This substance can transform into toxic acid cyanhydric when ingested, causing unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, respiratory disorders, and breathing difficulties.
One kilogram of bamboo shoots contains approximately 230mg of cyanide, which can be fatal to young children aged 1-2 years old. Boiling the bamboo shoots for 12 hours can reduce the cyanide content to about 160mg/kg. Prolonged boiling and soaking in water will turn the bamboo shoots yellow and give them a sour smell, further reducing the cyanide levels to 9mg/kg. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly prepare bamboo shoots before consumption to ensure the removal of any toxic substances.
Who Should Avoid Consuming Dried Bamboo Shoots Soup:
- People with Stomach Disorders: Bamboo shoots contain acid cyanhydric, which is harmful to the stomach. Therefore, individuals suffering from stomach ailments should refrain from consuming bamboo shoots to prevent triggering their condition.
- People Recovering from Illness: Individuals who have recently recovered from an illness tend to have weakened immune systems. It is advisable to avoid consuming bamboo shoots, as they can be difficult to digest and may contain toxic substances. Bamboo shoots contain glucoside, which, under normal circumstances, does not cause significant harm. However, when one’s health is compromised, glucoside can break down due to digestive enzymes and stomach acids, potentially leading to vomiting.
- Individuals with Gout: People suffering from gout should be cautious about their diet and restrict foods that can increase uric acid levels in the blood, as this can exacerbate the condition. Bamboo shoots, including bamboo shoots of tre, truc, and asparagus varieties, fall into this category.
- People with Kidney Disease: Kidney disease can be caused by streptococcal bacteria and is often associated with conditions that affect blood vessel walls, such as diabetes and hypertension. When suffering from kidney disease, it is essential to pay attention to daily dietary intake. All types of bamboo shoots are high in calcium content, which is not beneficial for individuals with chronic kidney disease or renal failure.
Dried bamboo shoots are rich in fiber, making them a potential aid for individuals aiming to lose weight or control high cholesterol levels. However, due to their difficult digestibility, it is advisable to consume them in moderate quantities. Dried bamboo shoots pair well with protein-rich and fatty foods such as pig’s trotters, pork belly, duck meat, and goose meat. Nonetheless, for health reasons, these combinations should also be consumed in moderation.
