What are the benefits, effects, and contraindications of soft-shelled turtle?
Jul 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
The benefits and effects of turtle meat include lowering blood pressure and lipid levels, improving skin beauty, enhancing immunity, tonifying the kidneys and boosting yang energy, preventing anemia, and moistening the lungs to relieve cough. However, there are certain contraindications: individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat should not consume turtle meat, nor should those with weak spleen and stomach function. Additionally, people suffering from chronic enteritis, chronic dysentery, or chronic diarrhea with loose stools should avoid eating turtle meat.
Generally, the benefits and effects of turtle meat include lowering blood pressure and lipid levels, beautifying the skin, and enhancing immunity. Contraindications include avoiding turtle consumption for individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, those with weak spleen and stomach function, and those suffering from chronic enteritis. Specific details are as follows:
I. Benefits and Effects
1. Lowering Blood Pressure and Lipids
Turtle meat contains linoleic acid, which helps reduce cholesterol buildup and prevent atherosclerosis. It has a strong blood-purifying effect and is beneficial for patients with hypertension and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease.
2. Skin Beautification and Nourishment
Turtle shell gelatin is a high-molecular-weight collagen protein containing various amino acids essential for skin health, offering benefits such as nourishing the skin, improving complexion, and enhancing physical vitality.
3. Boosting Immunity
Turtle meat is rich in animal gelatin, keratin, copper, vitamin D, and other nutrients that enhance the body's resistance to disease and regulate endocrine function. It is also considered a nutritious tonic that improves breast milk quality and strengthens infants' immunity and cognitive development.
II. Contraindications
1. Individuals with Yin Deficiency and Excessive Internal Heat Should Avoid Turtle Meat
For people with internal yang deficiency and excessive internal heat, consuming too much turtle meat may exacerbate symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, and irritability.
2. Individuals with Weak Spleen and Stomach Should Avoid Turtle Meat
Turtle meat is greasy and rich; prolonged consumption may impair gastric function and cause indigestion, loss of appetite, and reduced digestive capacity. Therefore, it should be avoided by those with spleen and stomach weakness.
3. Individuals with Chronic Enteritis Should Not Eat Turtle Meat
People with chronic enteritis have weak digestive function. Eating turtle meat may increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and worsen their condition.
In addition to the above benefits, turtle meat also has effects such as tonifying the kidneys and boosting yang, preventing anemia, and moistening the lungs to relieve coughing. Furthermore, individuals with chronic enteritis, chronic dysentery, or chronic diarrhea with loose stools should avoid eating turtle meat to prevent adverse effects.
