Surprise! Sugarcane, the "sweet fruit", turns into a "health killer" in seconds. Do you know these risks?

On sunny days, we can always see the tall figure of sugar cane in the fruit stalls on the streets. The plump and attractive sugar cane sections seem to be waving to people enthusiastically, exuding its unique charm. Now is the season when sugar cane is on the market in large quantities. With its sweet and refreshing taste, it has quickly become a favorite fruit of people. Take a bite gently, and the sweet juice will instantly overflow in your mouth, bringing you full pleasure and satisfaction.

Sugarcane not only tastes great, but also has the effects of clearing away heat and detoxifying, promoting the production of body fluids and quenching thirst. It is one of the rare delicious fruits and a "sweet gift" carefully prepared for us by nature. However, behind this sweetness, there is a little-known risk - sugarcane mold. Once the originally delicious and nutritious sugarcane is eroded by "evil forces" such as mold, it will instantly turn into a "sweet killer" that threatens health. Our human health is waiting to be harmed by it!

Image source: Pixabay

Who is the culprit for sugarcane mildew?

It is currently believed that the fungus that causes sugarcane deterioration is Arthrospora, a plant saprophytic fungus widely distributed in nature that can cause sugarcane to become moldy. During its growth and reproduction, Arthrospora produces a highly toxic substance: 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA). 3-NPA is a mycotoxin that mainly damages the central nervous system and affects the digestive system [1].

What symptoms will appear after eating moldy sugarcane?

3-NPA poisoning has a short incubation period, and symptoms usually appear within 2-8 hours after consumption. The main initial manifestations are digestive dysfunction, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Neurological symptoms follow, such as dizziness, headache, blurred vision, and black eyes. In more severe cases, paroxysmal convulsions may occur. In severe cases, cerebral ischemia and necrosis, respiratory failure, and even death may occur [2].

How to determine which sugarcanes are inedible?

1. Sugarcane cores that are red or reddish-brown cannot be eaten, and the part that has the red core removed also cannot be eaten. This is because after the sugarcane is invaded by mold, the hyphae has extended to all parts of the sugarcane. In addition to the moldy parts, those parts that look intact actually contain toxins, but we cannot see them with the naked eye. Once eaten, there is also a risk of poisoning.

2. It is not recommended to eat sugarcane that is soft in texture, has changed color, has a smell of alcohol, has hair, or has a red core. These are all "signals" that the sugarcane is moldy.

3. Do not eat sugarcane with cracks or wounds on the surface, because these places are easily invaded by bacteria and mold.

In addition, it is recommended to eat the sugarcane you buy on the same day, and not leave it for the next or third day.

What should you do if you accidentally eat moldy sugarcane?

1. Induce vomiting as soon as possible and spit out the food you have eaten in time to reduce the harm of toxins to the body.

2. Be sure to seek medical attention promptly and tell your doctor truthfully about your dietary history.

At present, there is no special treatment for sugarcane poisoning. Symptomatic treatment can be provided through gastric lavage and enema to eliminate toxins.

How to select sugarcane?

First touch: Feel the hardness of the sugarcane. Fresh sugarcane is hard and firm, while moldy sugarcane is soft.

Second look: Observe whether the flesh of the sugarcane is fresh. The core of high-quality fresh sugarcane is uniformly milky white and bright in color; while the core of moldy sugarcane will be significantly darker in color, mostly light brown. In addition, moldy sugarcane is often dull in color and lacks the luster of fresh sugarcane. Traces of insect bites can often be seen between its nodes or between small nodes. It is particularly noteworthy that at the end of the moldy sugarcane, there will be flocculent or hairy white substances, and after cutting, red filaments can be clearly seen on the cross section.

Third, smell: Use your sense of smell to identify whether the sugarcane has an odor. Fresh sugarcane exudes a fresh, natural sweet fragrance; but if you smell an abnormal smell of mold or alcohol-like odor in the sugarcane, you must not buy it, let alone eat it, because it may mean that the sugarcane has gone moldy.

Image source: Pixabay

Sugarcane is sweet and juicy, delicious and nutritious. When enjoying this sweetness, we must not take it lightly. We must be more careful and master the method of distinguishing the quality of sugarcane. Only in this way can we enjoy the deliciousness of sugarcane while eating healthily and safely. I hope everyone can use the above tips to select fresh and delicious high-quality sugarcane and enjoy this generous sweet gift from nature!

[1] Chen Haibo. Moldy sugarcane can indeed cause poisoning[N]. Guangming Daily, 2015-03-30(006).

[2] Bad News[J]. Sports and Health Knowledge Pictorial, 2010(02):89.

Source: Zhongxian Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Author: Xie Jinhua, Chief Technician, Chongqing Zhongxian Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Review expert: Zhang Hong, deputy chief technician, Chongqing Zhongxian Center for Disease Control and Prevention

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