Can leeches be eaten after being cooked?
Nov 14, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, leeches can be eaten when cooked thoroughly, but they should be consumed in moderation.
In daily life, one may also choose protein-rich foods such as eggs, duck eggs, milk, goat milk, lean meat, fish, shrimp, tofu, and soy milk to supplement protein intake. Additionally, it is important to consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, apples, and grapes.
Leeches are also known as medicinal leeches (water slugs). Generally speaking, water leeches can be eaten when cooked, but they should be consumed in moderation. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Water leeches typically grow in polluted water and are rich in protein. When properly cooked, they usually do not adversely affect the spleen and stomach. Water leeches have a neutral nature and possess properties that break up blood stasis, promote menstruation, and resolve swelling caused by stagnation. They can be used to treat irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, dark-colored menstrual blood, as well as traumatic injuries, fractures, tendon damage, abdominal masses, and pain in the chest and abdomen.
However, it's important to note that consuming excessive amounts of cooked water leeches at one time may harm the spleen and stomach, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. Therefore, they should be eaten in moderation. In daily life, people can also choose other protein-rich foods such as eggs, duck eggs, milk, goat milk, lean meat, fish, shrimp, tofu, and soy milk to supplement protein intake. Additionally, it's recommended to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, apples, and grapes.
