The transition from summer to autumn brings a surge in outdoor activities and an abundance of fresh seafood. With a wide variety of deliciously sweet options, it's tempting to indulge in multiple seafood feasts. However, experts warn that while seafood is rich in nutrients, it should not be consumed in excess. Overindulgence can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to gastrointestinal and digestive disorders, as well as symptoms like allergies, bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Frequent Seafood Consumption, Numerous Issues
(1) Impact on Fetal and Newborn Development: With increasing marine pollution, mercury levels in seafood are rising. If pregnant and breastfeeding women consume seafood more than four times a week (over 100g each time), it can affect the nervous system development of fetuses and newborns. Therefore, experts advise that pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit their seafood intake and avoid high-mercury fish like tuna and swordfish.
(2) Potential Impact on Male Fertility: Dr. Leung Ka-hong, President of the Hong Kong Fertility Society, points out that mercury can reduce sperm motility and lower sperm count. Given the high heavy metal content in seafood, it not only decreases sperm activity but can also harm health if it accumulates in the body over the long term.
Be Health-Conscious, Eat in Moderation
Although eating raw seafood is prized for its tenderness and is particularly popular among young people, it poses potential safety risks. Experts note that most seafood contains highly pathogenic bacteria. It is best to freeze it at 4°C for 1-2 hours before consumption, then soak it in light brine to kill bacteria.
Additionally, shellfish, crabs, and similar seafood must be thoroughly washed before cooking to prevent residue from dirt and bacteria. Adding seasonings like ginger and vinegar during consumption can also help with sterilization.
Eating Seafood, Knowing the Taboos
Seafood and Fruit
Consuming seafood with persimmons, grapes, pomegranates, or hawthorn can reduce the nutritional value of protein. Both are considered "cooling" foods. Not only do they diminish protein's value, but they can also cause the calcium in seafood to bind with tannins, forming indigestible substances that lead to stomach discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Seafood and Beer
Combining seafood with beer can lead to excessive uric acid, triggering gout. The purines and nucleotides in seafood, when mixed with the Vitamin B1 in beer, can cause a chemical reaction that increases uric acid in the blood. This uric acid, if not expelled promptly, can precipitate as sodium salt, easily forming stones or causing gout.
Seafood and Vitamin C
While the claim that eating seafood with Vitamin C is equivalent to consuming arsenic is a misconception, it is still best to avoid the combination. Yu Kang, a clinical nutritionist at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, advises that one should not take high doses of Vitamin C tablets without a doctor's permission. If taking more than five tablets daily, one should avoid eating seafood.
Source: Family Doctor Online Author: Du Lihua