Right now is the prime season for sugarcane. At noon, the sun is high, and for many citizens, sitting by the doorway to bask in the sun and eat sugarcane has become a "pleasure." As a result, more and more people are getting mouth ulcers. Many people believe that eating sugarcane causes "heatiness," leading to blisters and mouth ulcers. So, can eating sugarcane really cause mouth ulcers? Does eating sugarcane really cause "heatiness"? Why does it cause "heatiness"?
Does sugarcane cause "heatiness"? Does eating sugarcane lead to mouth ulcers?
Sugarcane has the effects of clearing heat, promoting the production of body fluids, moistening dryness, and nourishing the lungs and stomach. It can be used to treat conditions such as fluid depletion due to febrile diseases, vexation and thirst, vomiting due to stomach heat, constipation, as well as coughing and wheezing caused by lung dryness. Sugarcane is rich in sucrose, fructose, B vitamins, vitamin C, and trace elements like calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Its iron content is the highest among all fruits, which is why it's said that "autumn sugarcane is better than ginseng."
Sugarcane is generally divided into two types. One is the yellow-skinned sugarcane, commonly known as yellow fruit sugarcane. It is sweet in taste and cool in nature, with the effect of clearing heat. It can relieve lung heat and stomach heat, such as in coughs caused by lung heat. This type does not cause "heatiness." The other is the dark purple, nearly black-skinned sugarcane, commonly known as black skin sugarcane. It is warm in nature and is not suitable for those with a sore throat or excessive internal heat.
Some people get "heatiness" in their mouths (blisters) from eating sugarcane because:
Situation 1: The main component of sugarcane is fiber. The fibers of sugarcane are particularly coarse, while the tongue's tissue is relatively delicate. When eating sugarcane, the friction between the tongue and the fibers can easily injure the tissue on the tongue.
Situation 2: Sugarcane juice is rich in sugar. The tongue has salivary glands that secrete saliva. Saliva is an enzyme, specifically maltase, which can convert sugar in the mouth into maltose. It is this reaction that causes blisters on the tongue.
Sugarcane is delicious, but consume it in moderation
Although sugarcane is a fine fruit, there are people who should avoid it. For example, patients suffering from stomach cold, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive phlegm should try to avoid or eat less sugarcane to prevent worsening their symptoms. Additionally, it must be noted that due to its high water content, if not stored properly, sugarcane can easily lead to microbial growth and spoilage, producing toxins that can cause poisoning after consumption. Spoiled sugarcane contains a neurotoxin that can easily damage the consumer's central nervous system. In mild cases, symptoms include dizziness, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and vision problems. In severe cases, it can lead to blindness, convulsions, and even respiratory and circulatory failure.
Little knowledge on selecting sugarcane
Selecting quality sugarcane: When selecting sugarcane, one should follow the principle of "touch, look, and smell." Touch means checking the firmness of the sugarcane. Look means checking if the flesh is fresh (fresh sugarcane is firm, with a milky white color and a fresh fragrance). Smell means checking for any unusual odors. Spoiled sugarcane is relatively soft, its flesh is slightly darker and light brown in color, and it may have no smell or a faint alcoholic odor.
Do not eat spoiled sugarcane: Do not select sugarcane infected with fungi. Otherwise, consumption can cause poisoning symptoms such as vomiting, convulsions, and coma.