This is the best time of the year to eat crucian carp. Crucian carp is at its plumpest from February to April and from August to December. What are the benefits of eating crucian carp during this time? Who should avoid eating it?
The Effects and Benefits of Crucian Carp
1. Invigorating Blood and Removing Stasis
Regular consumption of crucian carp can promote the circulation of Qi and blood, making it very effective for treating blood stasis syndrome.
2. Nourishing
The meat of crucian carp is tender and delicious, and can be used to make congee, soups, dishes, and snacks. It is especially suitable for making soup. Crucian carp soup is not only fragrant and savory but also has strong nourishing effects, making it very suitable for the middle-aged, the elderly, and those recovering from illness. It is also particularly recommended for postpartum women.
3. Boosting Immunity
The protein in crucian carp is of high quality, complete, and easily digested and absorbed, making it an excellent protein source for patients with liver and kidney diseases, as well as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Regular consumption can enhance disease resistance, and it can be eaten frequently by patients with hepatitis, nephritis, hypertension, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, and other conditions.
4. Strengthening the Spleen and Promoting Diuresis
It is suitable for symptoms caused by spleen deficiency and weak transportation, such as abdominal fullness, loose stools, poor appetite, and limb fatigue. Crucian carp has the effects of strengthening the spleen and promoting diuresis, harmonizing the middle and stimulating the appetite, invigorating blood and unblocking the meridians, and warming the middle and lowering Qi. It has excellent nourishing and therapeutic effects for spleen and stomach weakness, edema, ulcers, bronchitis, asthma, and diabetes.
5. Promoting Lactation
It has the effects of replenishing Qi and blood and promoting milk production. For postpartum women, it helps to unblock milk ducts, nourish the body, and promote recovery. Eating crucian carp soup after childbirth can help restore strength and promote lactation.
6. Aiding Digestion
Eating crucian carp regularly can promote gastric acid secretion and food digestion, and can effectively treat indigestion and food stagnation.
Steaming or boiling crucian carp is best
Steaming or boiling crucian carp provides the best nutritional results, as the therapeutic effects are diminished if it is pan-fried. Crucian carp and tofu soup is one of the best ways to eat crucian carp in the winter.
It is a common folk practice to cook crucian carp soup for postpartum women, which can both restore their health and promote milk production, making it highly recommended. Additionally, crucian carp has many small bones, so the elderly and children should eat it slowly and patiently remove the bones.
Four types of people should avoid eating crucian carp
1. Patients with Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis impairs the body's ability to produce clotting factors, and with low platelet counts, it can easily lead to bleeding. Consuming fish rich in eicosapentaenoic acid, such as sardines, bluefish, and tuna, can worsen the condition dramatically, like adding fuel to the fire.
2. Patients with Gout
Because fish contains purine substances, and gout is caused by a disorder in purine metabolism in the body.
3. Patients with Bleeding Disorders
Patients with bleeding disorders such as thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, and vitamin K deficiency should eat little or no fish, because the eicosapentaenoic acid in fish can inhibit platelet aggregation, thereby worsening the bleeding symptoms of these patients.
4. Patients with Tuberculosis
When taking isoniazid, consuming certain fish can easily cause allergic reactions. Mild symptoms include nausea, headache, skin flushing, and conjunctival congestion. Severe symptoms may include palpitations, numbness and swelling of the lips and face, rash, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, elevated blood pressure, and even hypertensive crisis and cerebral hemorrhage.