Yueyue: Besides animal blood and walnuts, there are many "like cures like" sayings, such as "eating kidneys to nourish the kidneys," "eating brains to nourish the brain," and "eating bones to nourish bones." I have a friend who loves to order pig's brain when he has hot pot. While eating, he would mutter, "I've been overworking my brain lately and lost a lot of brain cells, I need to replenish them." We would tease him, "How can a pig's brain cells be the same as yours?!" Later, my friend was found to have high cholesterol during a medical check-up, and his doctor advised him to eat less pig's brain and animal organs. Professor Yu, do these widespread "like cures like" beliefs pose significant health risks?
Professor Yu: It's not just "certain risks," but rather very significant ones.
For example, pig's kidneys, known as "腰花" (yaohua), are considered by many to be an aphrodisiac food. Many men are fond of ordering a few skewers of "kidneys" at a barbecue, believing it to be a treasure for enhancing virility. Under the "like cures like" mentality, this food has become popular and is expected to perform functions it simply doesn't have.
Now, I must remind everyone: eating too many "kidneys" can lead to infertility.
The kidneys of pigs, cattle, sheep, etc., all contain varying amounts of the heavy metal cadmium. The harm of cadmium to human tissues and organs is multifaceted, especially to the kidneys, liver, and reproductive function. It not only reduces the number of sperm but can also damage chromosomes, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant and affecting conception.
Although pig's brain is high in protein, its cholesterol and fat content are also extremely high. In every 100 grams of pig's brain, the cholesterol content reaches 2500 milligrams, which is about 8 times that of an egg yolk of the same weight.
People with chronic diseases are advised not to eat such foods. For instance, those with renal insufficiency, abnormal blood lipids, or cardiovascular diseases already need to limit their intake of cholesterol and fat. Moreover, individuals with renal insufficiency also need to restrict their protein intake. Consuming foods like pig's brain can have the opposite effect and worsen their condition. Therefore, it is recommended to stay away from these foods.
Excerpted from "Are You Eating Right?" by Yu Kang and Yueyue, published by Sichuan Science and Technology Press
The method of preparing kidneys is also important. Here, Xiaomei has carefully selected a few recipes for you. You might want to give them a try!
【Spicy Salted Kidneys】 【Cumin Kidneys】 【Homestyle Grilled Kidneys】
The crotch