Can Malabar spinach and sea snail be eaten together?

Jun 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Malabar spinach (Basella alba) and sea snail can be consumed together, but it is important to eat them in moderation. When consuming Malabar spinach and sea snail, one should avoid consuming large amounts of certain other foods simultaneously. For instance, Malabar spinach should not be consumed with tofu, milk, or similar foods, while sea snail should be avoided with acidic fruits, dairy products, foods containing oxalic acid, sugary foods, and cold-natured foods, to prevent causing discomfort.

Generally speaking, Malabar spinach and sea snail can be consumed together, but it is important to eat them in moderation. The specific analysis is as follows:

Both Malabar spinach and sea snail are nutritious ingredients. Malabar spinach is rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, while sea snail contains high-quality protein and trace elements. When consumed together, they can provide more comprehensive nutrition. From the perspective of food properties, there is no obvious incompatibility. As long as the ingredients are fresh and hygienic during cooking, most people can safely enjoy this dish.

However, excessive consumption may lead to gastrointestinal spasms due to the combined cold properties. Additionally, oxalic acid combining with calcium in sea snail may form precipitates, causing indigestion. Therefore, when consuming these together, it is important to strictly control the portion size.

When consuming Malabar spinach and sea snail, it is advisable to avoid consuming large amounts of certain other foods simultaneously. For example, Malabar spinach should not be eaten with foods like tofu or milk, and sea snail should not be consumed with acidic fruits, dairy products, foods high in oxalic acid, sugary foods, or other cold-natured foods, to prevent discomfort.