Can I eat Houttuynia cordata (fish mint) after eating crab?

Jun 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yu Yongchao

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, it is acceptable to consume hairy crabs along with Houttuynia cordata, as long as the intake is moderate. However, as hairy crabs are high-protein foods and Houttuynia cordata has a slightly cold nature, excessive consumption of either should be avoided to prevent placing excessive burden on the gastrointestinal system. This is especially important for individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach, who should strictly control the quantity consumed. Additionally, crabs must be thoroughly cooked to avoid parasitic and bacterial infections. If Houttuynia cordata is served raw as a cold dish alongside crabs, extra attention should be paid to food safety.

Generally speaking, it is acceptable to consume hairy crabs together with fish mint (Houttuynia cordata), as long as intake is moderate. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Hairy crabs are rich in high-quality protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and minerals such as calcium, zinc, and selenium, which provide essential nutrients to the human body. Fish mint, on the other hand, contains volatile oils, flavonoids, dietary fiber, and vitamin C, and has effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing inflammation, and resisting bacteria. The nutritional components of these two foods complement each other, and the refreshing taste of fish mint can also neutralize the fishy odor of crabs.

However, as hairy crabs are high-protein foods and fish mint has a slightly cold nature, excessive consumption of either should be avoided to prevent placing excessive burden on the gastrointestinal tract, especially for individuals with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach who should be particularly cautious with the quantity. Additionally, crabs must be thoroughly cooked to avoid parasitic and bacterial infections. If fish mint is served raw as a cold dish together with crabs, it is important to ensure that the ingredients are fresh and properly washed and cleaned.

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Is it safe to eat a crab that just died the day before?

Under normal circumstances, it is generally not recommended to eat crabs the day after they die. If you accidentally purchase live crabs and need to store them temporarily, they should be placed in the refrigerator's chill compartment, and storage time should not exceed 6 hours. Before consumption, ensure the crabs are still alive; if the crabs show signs of reduced activity or stiff limbs, they should be discarded immediately.

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Can people with cold body constitution eat crab?

In general, individuals with cold body constitution are not advised to frequently or excessively consume crabs. If they do choose to eat crabs, it is recommended to pair them with warming ingredients and strictly control the portion size. In daily life, people with cold body constitution should prioritize warming foods such as lamb, longan, and ginger, while reducing intake of cold-natured foods. Additionally, they should keep warm, engage in appropriate physical activity, and improve their constitution to minimize discomfort caused by improper diet.