It is widely rumored on the Internet that eating fiddleheads can cause cancer. Many media have also reported that the traditional "longevity vegetable" fern contains a carcinogenic substance called "proto-fern glycoside", which may lead to higher incidence of esophageal cancer and stomach cancer. Fern root powder made from fern also has the same cancer risk.

The reporter interviewed Wei Yougang, director of the oncology department at Maanshan Municipal Medical Group City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, on the issue. Wei Yougang director said, there is no accurate domestic literature and research to prove the carcinogenicity of fern, a small amount of correct consumption of fern also has certain benefits, just cold body should not be eaten. Fern in medicine has the effect of clearing heat and detoxification "Proper consumption of fern is still beneficial to the human body." Director Wei said, from the point of view of Chinese medicine, fern taste sweet and cold, into the medicine has a heat detoxification, lubricate the intestines and phlegm, etc., it contains cellulose can promote intestinal peristalsis, reduce gastrointestinal absorption of fat, at the same time, you can treat constipation and other medical conditions. In addition, the consumption of fern for lowering blood pressure, relieve dizziness and insomnia, also has a certain role. Director Wei said, there is indeed a large amount of scientific material shows that fern contains carcinogenic components of protopodophylloside. However, there is no clinical data to prove whether fern and fern root powder are carcinogenic. Only that they have the effect of stimulating the growth of cell activity for tumor cells. Some experiments on mice are also not fully tried on humans. Director Wei said, in our daily life, some carcinogenic factors do exist in food, but it requires long-term consumption of large quantities of such food, so that the carcinogenic components accumulated to a certain amount, it is possible to increase the chances of cancer. Therefore, there is no need to exaggerate the carcinogenic effect of food. Director Wei believes that there is no need to panic because ferns contain carcinogenic substances, "Ferns can be used as medicine, but it is a medicine that is three times poisonous, depending on the frequency and amount of consumption. Occasional consumption of boiled ferns is beneficial for people with a hot constitution, but for some people with a cold constitution who are usually afraid of cold and have a cold stomach, ferns are better to eat less or not eat." The above for reference.