Why would anyone like to eat Houttuynia cordata?

When talking about Houttuynia cordata, the first thing that comes to mind is its smell.

The smell of Houttuynia cordata is indeed unique, especially after rubbing its stems and leaves. Most people who have never smelled it will be shocked and take two steps back, saying - can this thing be eaten? But for Houttuynia cordata lovers like me, the smell does not exist. It is not only fragrant, but also refreshing. It has a special flavor that other vegetables do not have.

Apart from the smell, which has received mixed reviews, the biggest controversy about Houttuynia cordata is whether it is poisonous. So is Houttuynia cordata poisonous? Let's find out today!

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01

Is Houttuynia cordata really poisonous?

Many people know that Houttuynia cordata contains a substance called aristolochic acid.

Studies have shown that aristolochic acid is nephrotoxic and can cause irreversible kidney damage such as renal interstitial fibrosis. Therefore, many people have begun to stay away from vegetables such as Houttuynia cordata.

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But in fact, there are many types of aristolochic acid, and their toxicity varies. The most toxic are aristolochic acid and aristolochic acid I, which are not found in Houttuynia cordata.

Studies have shown that ingredients such as aristolochic acid B II and piperonolactone A have been isolated and identified from Houttuynia cordata. Currently, only in vitro cell experiments have proven that the extract of Houttuynia cordata contains toxic substances that are toxic to liver cells, and the toxicity is relatively weak. [1]

So overall, the evidence that Houttuynia cordata is poisonous is weak, so there is basically no need to worry. If you really like this vegetable, it is okay to eat a small amount of it when it is in season to satisfy your craving.

02

It is recommended to blanch these two vegetables!

In addition to Houttuynia cordata, some of the wild vegetables we often eat have also been controversial because they contain toxic substances.

1. Toona sinensis

Chinese toon, which can be sold at a new high price every spring, has the problem of high nitrite. The nitrite content in Chinese toon can be as high as 1235 mg per kilogram, which is very worthy of attention.

When nitrite reacts with gastric acid and protein decomposition products, it easily produces nitrosamines, a substance that has the risk of inducing cancer.

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Fortunately, blanching can greatly reduce the nitrite content in Chinese toon. Not only that, blanching can also remove the slight bitterness of Chinese toon, making its flavor even better. Therefore, you must blanch Chinese toon for about 30 seconds before eating it, which not only improves safety, but also makes it more delicious.

2. Bracken

Ferns, which appear in about the same season as Houttuynia cordata, are also known to cause cancer. Of course, this is not a rumor, but a fact.

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The prototaxol in bracken is a Class 2B carcinogen, which means "may be carcinogenic to humans." Prototaxol is widely found in ferns, especially in their young shoots, so it is not an exaggeration to say that bracken has a carcinogenic risk.

But it should also be noted that although Class 2B carcinogens sound scary, there is no need to throw the baby out with the bathwater because of them.

After all, there are quite a few Class 2B carcinogens around us, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kimchi, coffee, etc., which are all Class 2B carcinogens recognized by the World Health Organization. They are not only more common than ferns, but also consumed in much larger amounts!

Therefore, although bracken has certain health risks, the risks will be greatly reduced if you fully understand the risks and after blanching or pickling with wood ash or baking soda, it is also fine to taste a small amount after it is thoroughly cooked.

References:

[1] Gao Bin, Li Guifeng, Sun Qiaosheng, Ma Yanhong, Liu Wenhua. Study on the hepatotoxicity and chemical components of Houttuynia cordata[J]. Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, 2021, 28(04): 564-567.

Author: Hydra Science Creator

Reviewer: Xue Qingxin, the first batch of nutrition instructors of the National Health Commission, China registered nutritionist

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