"Fish causes fire, meat causes phlegm, while radish and cabbage ensure peace." Regarding this proverb, many people can understand the part about "radish and cabbage ensuring peace," but why does it say "fish causes fire, meat causes phlegm"? Especially from the perspective of modern nutrition, fish is considered a very healthy ingredient, so why is it branded with the crime of "causing fire"? Is there any scientific basis for this statement?
Actually, the original intention of this saying is to tell everyone that although fish and meat are good, they should not be consumed in excess, otherwise it will harm the body. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fish such as hairtail, silver carp, and eel are all considered "warming" foods. Eating too much can easily lead to an accumulation of internal heat, which is what people commonly refer to as "fish causing fire." Therefore, individuals with a constitution of internal heat or yin deficiency with blazing fire should eat less of these warming fish. From the perspective of modern nutrition, fish is a high-protein food. If consumed in excess and lacking vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C, it can disrupt the synthesis of collagen in the body, leading to symptoms of "heatiness" such as bleeding gums and mucous membranes.
【Jiangsu】Squirrel Yellow Fish
Similarly, meat should not be eaten in excess either. From the TCM perspective, "meat causes phlegm" does not mean that eating too much meat easily leads to coughing and phlegm, but rather that excessive consumption of meat can disrupt the body's fluid metabolism, leading to the production of phlegm-dampness. Modern research indicates that meat contains a large amount of fat, and excessive intake can easily lead to elevated blood lipids and blood viscosity. Clinical examinations often show increased thickness, aggregation, and coagulability of the blood, which is an objective manifestation of the TCM concept of "phlegm and blood stasis intertwining," and it is also the external manifestation of "meat causing phlegm." Furthermore, meat also has a high protein content, and eating too much can also lead to symptoms of "heatiness."
In summary, as long as they are consumed in moderation, fish and meat will not cause the problems of "causing fire" or "causing phlegm." According to the "Chinese Residents' Balanced Dietary Pagoda," the recommended daily intake for adults is 50-75 grams of livestock and poultry meat and 50-100 grams of fish and shellfish. In addition, it is also important to maintain a balanced diet, such as ensuring a certain amount of fruits and vegetables are consumed daily.
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