As the saying goes, "Eating radishes in winter is like eating ginseng," which shows that people have long recognized the great benefits of carrots for the body. Therefore, carrots have become a beloved dish on dining tables. However, experts warn that carrots should not be eaten as a side dish with alcohol, as it can harm the liver.
According to Dr. Li from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Mongolian Medicine, the popular saying, "Eat radishes in winter and ginger in summer, and you won't need a doctor to write prescriptions," highlights the significant health benefits of eating radishes in winter. Medical texts record that carrots are pungent, sweet, warm in nature, and non-toxic. They can be cooked in dishes or soups, or eaten raw. In winter, people focus on nourishing their bodies, which can easily lead to internal heat and phlegm, a more pronounced issue in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Eating carrots during meals can aid digestion, reduce phlegm, stop coughs, relieve thirst, and promote the flow of energy in the organs. Because carrots are associated with the Earth element in the Five Elements theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, they are central and benefit the spleen and stomach, thereby strengthening the body's central energy. Thus, eating carrots in winter can prevent disease and promote health.
However, research has shown that when beta-carotene and alcohol enter the body together, they produce toxins in the liver, which can cause liver disease. Therefore, carrots should not be eaten with alcohol.