What is incompatible with chicory?

Jan 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

Bitter vegetables generally may be incompatible with honey, milk, tofu, pork, winter melon, etc., but these foods are not necessarily absolutely contraindicated for consumption with bitter vegetables. Individual reactions after consumption may vary. It is recommended that individuals pay attention to their own responses in daily life. If discomfort occurs after consumption, intake should be reduced or the combination should be avoided.

Generally speaking, chicory may be incompatible with honey, milk, tofu, pork, winter melon, etc. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Honey

Consuming chicory together with honey may cause diarrhea. Honey has a function of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements, while chicory also has effects of clearing heat and relieving fire. The combination of both may accelerate gastrointestinal motility, leading to diarrhea.

2. Milk

Consuming chicory together with milk may affect the digestion and absorption of proteins. Certain components in chicory may combine with proteins in milk to form indigestible complexes, resulting in bloating and digestive discomfort.

3. Tofu

Consuming chicory together with tofu may lead to impaired calcium absorption. Chicory contains a high level of oxalic acid, while tofu is rich in calcium. Oxalic acid combines with calcium to form insoluble calcium oxalate, which not only affects calcium absorption but may also increase the risk of kidney stones.

4. Pork

Consuming chicory together with pork may easily cause indigestion, particularly in individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency cold, who are more prone to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. This is because pork is a cold-natured food, and chicory also has effects of clearing heat and detoxification. The combination of both may excessively cool the body, placing a burden on the gastrointestinal system.

5. Winter Melon

Winter melon is cold in nature and contains a large amount of tannic acid. Tannic acid may combine with proteins in chicory to form protein tannate, which reduces the nutritional value of the food, making it difficult for the body to absorb and utilize, while also increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal system.

However, these foods are not necessarily absolutely incompatible with chicory, and individual reactions after consumption may vary. It is recommended that individuals pay attention to their own responses in daily life. If discomfort occurs after consumption, the intake should be reduced or the combination avoided.

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Can you eat raw lettuce or yuemiai (chicory) with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder?

People with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder can generally eat lettuce and yuemiai (chicory), but intake should be moderate. Lettuce and yuemiai are common vegetables. Lettuce contains abundant beta-carotene, dietary fiber, trace elements, etc., which can promote gastrointestinal motility and moisten the intestines to relieve constipation. Individuals with liver and gallbladder damp-heat may consume moderate amounts of lettuce and yuemiai, but excessive consumption is not recommended.