1. What is Zizania latifolia?
Zizania latifolia, also known as bamboo shoots, is a common aquatic vegetable, and its tender stem is a spindle-shaped hypertrophy part formed by the stem of Zizania latifolia (Gramineae) under the stimulation of Zizania latifolia. The outside of Zizania latifolia is covered with green leaf sheath, and the inside of Zizania latifolia is three-section cylindrical, yellow-white or blue-yellow. The meat is tender, with low fiber content and high protein content. Zizania latifolia is one of the special vegetables in China and one of the three famous dishes in the south of the Yangtze River.
As an aquatic vegetable, Zizania latifolia grows in rivers, lakes and other waters and likes humid environment. It is highly respected for its unique taste and nutritional value. The stem of Zizania latifolia is plump and tender, crisp in taste, slightly sweet and unique in flavor. Full meat, delicate taste, less fiber, easy to digest and absorb. At the same time, Zizania latifolia is rich in protein, vitamin C, vitamin B and other nutrients, which plays an important role in human health.
In southern China, Zizania latifolia is one of the most popular vegetables. Widely used in Jiangnan cuisine, it is also called one of the three famous dishes in Jiangnan with salted duck eggs and West Lake vinegar fish. Water bamboo can be used to make all kinds of delicious dishes, such as fried shredded pork, fried bacon and scrambled eggs. These dishes are characterized by the fresh and tender taste and unique flavor of Zizania latifolia, and are deeply loved by people.
In addition to the taste characteristics, Zizania latifolia also has certain medicinal value. In traditional Chinese medicine, Zizania latifolia is considered to have the functions of clearing away heat and toxic materials, diuresis and detumescence, and has certain curative effect on damp-heat diseases. Zizania latifolia also contains some chemical components beneficial to human health, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects.
Second, why eat less?
1, sweet and cold
Water bamboo is sweet and cold, and has the function of clearing heat and detoxifying. However, for people with weak stomach and cold stomach, the coldness of water bamboo may further damage the digestive system and cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, it is best for such people to avoid eating water bamboo, or eat it in moderation with other warm foods.
2. High oxalic acid content
Zizania latifolia contains more oxalic acid and is an organic acid. When Zizania latifolia meets foods rich in calcium salts, oxalic acid is easy to combine with calcium to form calcium oxalate, thus increasing the risk of stones. Therefore, when eating water bamboo, we should try to avoid eating foods containing more calcium and salt, such as dairy products, fish, shrimp and shellfish, so as to reduce the formation of calcium oxalate.
Summary: Zizania latifolia is an aquatic vegetable, which is formed by the hypertrophy of the stem of Zizania latifolia. Although there are some restrictive factors in Zizania latifolia, it is safe for most people to eat Zizania latifolia in moderation, and their unique flavor and nutritional value can be obtained. For people with weak stomach, cold stomach or oxalate metabolism problems, eat less.