As the weather gets colder, boiled fish is all the rage again. Originally a specialty from Chongqing, this dish has become a favorite across the country for its unique ultra-numbing and spicy flavor, rich color, and oily fish fillets, which greatly stimulate people's appetite. However, few people are concerned about the actual health effects of eating boiled fish. There have been media reports of people developing "soft tissue abscesses" from overindulging in boiled fish. Although doctors later stated this was an extremely rare case, reactions like breaking out in acne, getting "heaty" (a concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine), and stomach discomfort after eating boiled fish are common experiences for many.
From the perspective of food nutrition, let's analyze whether boiled fish affects health, which might help people enjoy it with more peace of mind. Salt
The recommended daily salt intake for a healthy person should be 3-5 grams, but the amount of salt in boiled fish far exceeds this normal standard. The hidden dangers of this are:
Excessive salt intake can easily cause the body to retain more water. If this excess water is not expelled in time, it can lead to swelling in the hands and feet and weight gain. Women may experience worsened bloating and fatigue during their menstrual period after eating boiled fish. [Food Blog]
Excessive salt intake can also lead to increased tension, high blood pressure, and affect the elasticity of blood vessels. Oil
Oil contains a large amount of calories and fat. Consuming too much will increase the body's fat content. The daily intake of 30-50 grams of edible oil (including the oil content in food) is sufficient to meet the body's needs and should not be excessive. The oil used to cook boiled fish is not only used in large quantities but is also repeatedly heated. The hidden dangers of this are:
Excessive oil intake leads to an excess of fat in the body.
Repeatedly heating oil generates carcinogenic substances that are harmful to the human body.
It destroys the nutritional value in the fish, preventing the body from properly absorbing the necessary nutrients after consumption. Chili
Most people know that eating too many chili peppers can make a person feel "heaty" and cause inflammation. Boiled fish contains a super amount of chili peppers, and the hidden dangers of this are:
It strongly stimulates the digestive tract, which in severe cases can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding or trigger ulcers. It can also cause constipation.
It can lead to deep-seated skin abscesses, affecting one's facial appearance. Intense Flavor
The intense numbing and spicy flavor of boiled fish greatly stimulates the taste nerves, increasing the secretion of saliva and gastric juices and accelerating gastrointestinal motility, making people feel excited. The hidden danger of this is:
It can lead to taste fatigue and create a dependency, making people crave more and more. This is why some people eat boiled fish every few days. Side Dishes
The unique taste of boiled fish can easily cause people to neglect eating other foods while consuming it.
The side dishes in boiled fish are often limited; besides the fish, the only vegetable is usually bean sprouts. Long-term consumption can lead to an unbalanced diet.
When paired with the spicy fish, many people tend to overindulge in drinks like Coca-Cola or beer, both to feel the kick and to alleviate the spicy sensation. However, these are not beverages that should be consumed in excess. Coca-Cola has a very high sugar content and other stimulating ingredients like caffeine. Excessive beer consumption puts a strain on the liver, leading to fat accumulation and, in severe cases, fatty liver. Tips:
Based on the analysis above, when we fall in love with the deliciousness of boiled fish, we should pay attention to the following points:
Don't overeat boiled fish. Those who are "addicted" and have a bowl every few days should especially know when to stop.
Boiled fish is a high-protein, high-calorie food. While eating high-energy foods can be beneficial as the weather gets colder, it's important to pair it with vegetables and fruits to avoid vitamin deficiencies.
If you experience constipation the day after eating boiled fish, it's because it's too spicy. In this case, it's best to drink more tea. If you have radishes, eating some can help relieve gas.
The direct consequence after eating boiled fish is a sore throat and feeling "heaty," because these foods are considered "damp" in Traditional Chinese Medicine and can easily produce phlegm and heat. You should drink chrysanthemum tea to counteract this effect. Additionally, if you often eat boiled fish in the winter, drink at least 1000ml of water daily to help alleviate the "heatiness."