What will happen if the water spinach is not cooked and eaten

Eating uncooked water spinach may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or parasitic infections. Hollow cabbage contains oxalic acid and a small amount of natural toxins, which can be decomposed by sufficient heating. When not cooked properly, it may irritate the digestive tract. Some regions' water spinach may carry parasite eggs, and high-temperature cooking can effectively kill pathogens. When water spinach is not fully cooked, the oxalic acid content is high, which may affect calcium absorption and cause mild abdominal pain and bloating. Oxalic acid easily combines with calcium in the body to form calcium oxalate, and long-term intake of large amounts of unripe water spinach may increase the risk of kidney stones. This type of situation usually manifests as temporary indigestion, which can be relieved by drinking moderate amounts of water.

Water spinach grown in polluted waters may attach parasites such as ginger leaf worms, and insufficient heating cannot kill the eggs. After consumption, there may be persistent symptoms of parasitic infections such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, which can lead to malnutrition or biliary obstruction in severe cases. This type of situation requires medical treatment for deworming, and vegetables should be thoroughly washed and boiled for at least three minutes in daily life.

It is recommended to blanch or stir fry over high heat when cooking water spinach to ensure that the stems lose their crispy texture. Choose organic planting products from legitimate channels when purchasing, and rinse the leaves repeatedly with running water before processing. Special populations such as pregnant women, children, or those with weak digestive function should avoid consuming cold mixed raw water spinach. If you experience symptoms such as vomiting and fever after ingesting undercooked water spinach, you should seek medical attention promptly to investigate the possibility of parasitic infection.