Pregnant Women
Bamboo shoots contain a toxic component called glucozit, which produces cyanhydric acid. When consumed, glucozit is broken down in the stomach by digestive enzymes and stomach acid, eventually being expelled as vomit (indicating the body’s inability to tolerate the toxins).
There have been cases where pregnant women experienced bamboo shoot poisoning, which directly affected the fetus.
Individuals with Stomach Problems
Bamboo shoots contain a high amount of cyanhydric acid (around 230mg per kg of bamboo shoots), which can be harmful to the stomach.
Individuals with stomach problems should avoid consuming bamboo shoots to prevent the recurrence of symptoms after treatment.
Gout Patients
If you have gout, you need to be cautious of the uric acid levels in your blood, as they can worsen the condition. Bamboo shoots, such as bamboo sprouts, bamboo shoots, and bamboo shoots can accelerate the synthesis of uric acid, which is not good for gout patients.
Kidney Disease
The high levels of calcium and acid in bamboo shoots are not beneficial for individuals with kidney disease. Consuming too many bamboo shoots can damage the blood vessels, leading to other dangerous conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Adolescents
Bamboo sprouts contain a large amount of indigestible substances such as cellulose and oxalic acid. When combined with calcium, iron, and zinc, they form complex compounds that hinder nutrient absorption. Eating too many bamboo shoots can result in calcium deficiency, causing weak bones, and zinc deficiency, which can impair growth in adolescents.
Aspirin Users
Aspirin users who consume bamboo shoots can experience gastrointestinal irritation and damage to the gastric mucosa.
Precautions for Cooking Bamboo Shoots
If you’re a fan of bamboo shoots and don’t fall into the above-mentioned groups, you can enjoy them, but it’s important to cook them properly to remove toxins.
On the market, dried bamboo shoots can be treated with anti-fungal chemicals like sulfur, which can lead to poisoning symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
To avoid bamboo shoot poisoning, it’s best to soak the shoots for a few days, boil them thoroughly, and then simmer them for 2-3 hours to allow the sulfur to evaporate. Don’t let bamboo shoot soup sit overnight, as it can cause food poisoning due to bacterial contamination. Avoid eating raw bamboo shoots.
