Eating this fruit raw may lead to parasite infection!

Do you know something that can be eaten raw as a fruit or as a vegetable?

Tomatoes and cucumbers?

No, no, no, this time we are going to talk about “horse hoof”, the official registered name is – bí (bí) qi (qi).

Although the water chestnuts I just bought were covered in mud and had purple-black skin.

But it is crisp, sweet, juicy and delicious.

Many people in the south of the Yangtze River wash the fruit, peel it and eat it raw.

Although water chestnuts are delicious, eating them raw may lead to parasite infection!!!

Eating raw food may cause parasite infection

We are often warned not to eat raw or undercooked meat because they may harbor bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

But it has to be said that some plants can also be infected with parasites. Parasites may not affect the physical and mental health of plants, and they can even coexist harmoniously with plants, but plants can spread parasites to humans.

The larvae of a worm called "ginger worm" will live on the skin of water chestnuts.

When we eat water chestnuts raw, if we use our teeth to bite off the skin, we may swallow the larvae of ginger worms.

However, the larvae of ginger worms are too powerful and stomach acid cannot kill them.

They will grow and develop in the intestines, parasitize in our human small intestine, destroy the digestive function of the intestines, and cause problems such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fishy stools.

Wei Dad's expression pack

So if you like to eat it raw, be sure to wash it thoroughly before eating and don't chew it with your mouth.

How to Eat Water Chestnuts Safely

So how can we eat water chestnuts safely?

①Peeling

If you like to eat water chestnuts raw, you need to wash and peel them before eating.

Peeling water chestnuts does require a lot of knife skills. If you are not confident in this area, it is best to boil them in water before eating.

②Cooked

Cooked water chestnuts are naturally safer and can be used in porridge, stir-fry or hot pot.

Dad's review has something to say

Water chestnuts mostly grow in paddy fields. The growing environment is very humid. In addition to various microorganisms, there are also parasites around them.

Similarly, aquatic plants such as water chestnuts, wild rice stems, and lotus roots are also hiding places for ginger worms. The good thing is that no one should eat them raw.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone: For safety reasons, it is best to wash, peel and cook the above foods before eating.

References:

1. Eating water chestnuts raw should prevent diseases [J]. Rural Economy and Technology, 1996(04):32.