Can people with cold body constitution eat crab?
Generally, people with cold body constitution are not advised to frequently or excessively consume crabs. If they do wish to eat them, it's recommended to pair crabs with warming ingredients and strictly control the portion size. Detailed explanation is as follows:
Crabs are considered cold-natured food and are rich in nutrients such as protein and minerals. However, individuals with cold body constitution typically suffer from insufficient yang energy, often presenting symptoms such as cold hands and feet, sensitivity to cold, and diarrhea. Direct consumption of crabs may exacerbate internal coldness, leading to increased frequency of diarrhea, abdominal cold pain, and other discomforts. It may also affect digestive function, causing bloating and indigestion. Even when consumed in small amounts, crabs should be paired with warming ingredients such as ginger and perilla leaves, which can neutralize the cold nature of crabs and reduce bodily irritation. When consuming crab, it's also important to avoid eating on an empty stomach.
In daily life, individuals with cold body constitution should opt for more warming foods, such as lamb, longan, and ginger, while reducing intake of cold-natured foods. They should also pay attention to keeping warm, engage in appropriate physical activity, and help regulate their constitution to minimize discomfort caused by improper diet.