Which nuts are considered stimulating foods that should not be eaten?
Nov 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Foods considered "trigger foods" (fa wu) are not absolutely forbidden. From the perspective of traditional dietary养生, nuts categorized as fa wu generally include walnuts, almonds, cashews, and pine nuts. These nuts tend to be relatively warming in nature or high in oil content. Walnuts, for example, are warm in nature and sweet in taste, and are rich in oils. As a fa wu food, excessive consumption of walnuts may easily generate internal heat, potentially triggering or worsening conditions such as skin sores, ulcers, or sore throat. Individuals with a naturally heat-prone constitution should therefore consume them cautiously.
"Trigger foods" are not necessarily forbidden, but from the perspective of traditional dietary health practices, nuts considered as trigger foods generally include walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews, and pine nuts. These nuts tend to be relatively warm in nature or high in oil content. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Walnuts: Walnuts are warm in nature and sweet in taste, with a high oil content. As a trigger food, excessive consumption may lead to internal heat buildup, potentially triggering or worsening skin abscesses, sore throat, and other conditions—especially caution is advised for individuals with a hot body constitution.
2. Almonds: Almonds come in sweet and bitter varieties, both being warm in nature. Their components may stimulate the body; for individuals with respiratory inflammation or a history of skin allergies, consumption may exacerbate symptoms, thus they are classified as a traditional trigger food.
3. Peanuts: Peanuts are warm in nature and rich in oils and protein. These components can easily cause internal damp-heat accumulation, possibly triggering allergic reactions such as skin itching and eczema, or worsening sores and inflammatory swellings. They are a common type of nut categorized as a trigger food.
4. Cashews: Cashews are warm in nature and sweet in taste, containing foreign proteins and other substances. Some individuals may develop red rashes or itching after consumption. Additionally, their warming properties may promote the growth of pathogens in the body, placing them within the category of trigger foods.
5. Pine nuts: Pine nuts are warm in nature and extremely high in oil content. Overconsumption can easily lead to internal heat accumulation and increased phlegm-dampness, potentially causing excessive coughing with phlegm or skin eruptions. They should especially be avoided by individuals with a damp-heat constitution or those currently ill.
When consuming these types of nuts, one should consider their individual body constitution. Allergic individuals should first try a small amount; during illness, such as colds or skin inflammations, it is advisable to avoid them temporarily.
