Can crabs and garlic be eaten together?

Jun 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
In general, crabs and garlic can be consumed together, with attention to moderate intake. However, garlic is quite pungent and individuals with gastric ulcers or gastritis should reduce their consumption to avoid worsening stomach discomfort. Crabs are cold in nature, so individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold should control their intake. It is recommended to pair crabs with garlic's warming properties to counteract the coldness, but excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Under normal circumstances, crab and garlic can be consumed together, with attention to moderate intake. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Crabs are rich in high-quality protein, calcium, zinc, selenium, and other minerals, as well as vitamins A and E, which help replenish essential nutrients and strengthen bones. Garlic contains allicin, sulfides, vitamin C, and other components that have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, enhance immunity, and promote digestion. When consumed together, these two ingredients can work synergistically: allicin in garlic can inhibit bacterial growth, thereby reducing the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort caused by the cold nature of crab or improper cooking. Additionally, its pungent flavor can neutralize the cold nature of crab, providing a warming effect to counteract coldness. The delicious flavor of crab combined with the spicy aroma of garlic can enhance the taste of dishes and stimulate appetite. Moreover, sulfides in garlic can promote the breakdown of proteins in crab, aiding the body in better digesting and absorbing nutrients.

However, garlic has a strong stimulating effect and patients with gastric ulcers or gastritis should reduce their intake to avoid aggravating stomach discomfort. Crabs are naturally cold in nature, so individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold should control their intake. It is recommended to pair crab with garlic's warming properties to balance the coldness, but excessive consumption should be avoided to prevent abdominal pain and diarrhea. Additionally, only fresh, live crabs should be selected and thoroughly cooked to avoid health risks associated with spoiled ingredients or parasites.

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