Why can't loaches be eaten raw?

Mar 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yu Yongchao

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the reasons why weatherfish (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) should not be eaten raw include the risks of parasitic infection, intestinal diseases, allergic reactions, impaired nutrient absorption, and disruption of the intestinal microbiota balance. Weatherfish may carry various parasites, such as liver flukes and lung flukes. Once these parasites enter the human body, they can parasitize organs such as the liver and lungs, causing corresponding diseases.

Under normal circumstances, the reasons why weather loaches (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) should not be eaten raw include the risks of parasitic infection, gastrointestinal diseases, allergic reactions, impaired nutrient absorption, and disruption of intestinal microbiota balance. Details are as follows:

1. Parasitic infection: Weather loaches may carry various parasites, such as liver flukes and lung flukes. These parasites can parasitize organs like the liver and lungs after entering the human body, causing corresponding diseases. Parasitic infections may lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and coughing, and in severe cases, can even be life-threatening.

2. Gastrointestinal diseases: Raw weather loaches may carry bacteria and viruses, which can easily cause gastrointestinal diseases such as gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and vomiting after consumption. Additionally, weather loaches are naturally cold in nature, and eating them raw may cause abdominal pain due to cold irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. If the loaches are not thoroughly cleaned, they may contain pollutants that exacerbate these symptoms.

3. Allergic reactions: Some individuals are allergic to proteins in weather loaches. Eating them raw may trigger allergic symptoms such as skin itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, dizziness, or abdominal pain. Severe allergic reactions can lead to shock and even be life-threatening.

4. Impaired nutrient absorption: Uncooked weather loaches have proteins and other nutrients that are difficult for the human body to digest and absorb, resulting in wasted nutrition. The cooking process denatures proteins, making them easier for the body to digest and absorb.

5. Disruption of intestinal microbiota balance: Microorganisms present in raw weather loaches may disturb the balance of the normal gut flora, affecting intestinal health. Maintaining a balanced intestinal microbiota is crucial for overall health, and disruption can lead to various health problems.

To protect health and avoid diseases or other adverse consequences, weather loaches should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. During cooking, ensure that the loaches are fully cooked to kill any potentially present parasites and bacteria.

References:

[1] Chinese Nutrition Society. Chinese Dietary Guidelines (2022) [M]. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2022.

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