What are the benefits and drawbacks of eating too much scallion?

Eating too much scallion (green onion) has several benefits, including supplementing vitamins, stimulating appetite, promoting digestion, inhibiting bacteria and reducing inflammation, as well as enhancing flavor and removing fishy odors. However, excessive consumption may also cause adverse effects such as irritating the gastrointestinal mucosa, worsening eye discomfort, triggering "heatiness" symptoms, interfering with medication efficacy, and irritating the respiratory tract. It should be consumed in moderation according to individual health conditions. If severe stomach pain, difficulty breathing, or other discomfort occurs after eating scallions, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Benefits of Eating Too Much Scallion

1. Supplement Vitamins: Scallions are rich in vitamin C and B-complex vitamins. Consuming more scallions increases intake of these nutrients, helping maintain healthy skin, boost immunity, and support bodily metabolism.

2. Stimulate Appetite: Scallions contain volatile oils and aromatic compounds. Eating more can strongly stimulate taste buds, improving poor appetite. They are especially suitable when paired with greasy foods to enhance eating desire.

3. Promote Digestion: The dietary fiber and volatile components in scallions can significantly promote gastrointestinal motility when consumed in larger amounts, accelerating food digestion and absorption, and helping relieve mild bloating and constipation.

4. Inhibit Bacteria and Reduce Inflammation: Compounds like allicin in scallions have antibacterial properties. Excessive intake may help suppress the growth of harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the risk of intestinal infections.

5. Enhance Flavor and Remove Fishy Odor: As a common seasoning, consuming more scallions can better mask unpleasant odors in ingredients like fish and meat, enrich the taste profile of dishes, and improve overall flavor.

2. Drawbacks of Eating Too Much Scallion

1. Irritate Gastrointestinal Mucosa: Scallions are warm in nature and contain irritants. Overconsumption can excessively stimulate the gastric mucosa, leading to overproduction of stomach acid and causing symptoms such as stomach pain, acid reflux, and heartburn. This is particularly problematic for individuals with gastritis or gastric ulcers.

2. Worsen Eye Discomfort: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, scallions are warming in nature. Excessive intake may increase internal heat, potentially aggravating eye inflammations (such as conjunctivitis or styes), or causing dryness, irritation, and blurred vision.

3. Trigger Heatiness Symptoms: For individuals prone to heatiness (e.g., those frequently experiencing dry mouth, sore throat, or acne), eating too many scallions can further increase internal heat, leading to oral ulcers, sore throat, and other heat-related symptoms.

4. Interfere with Medication Efficacy: Scallions may affect the effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs (such as warfarin). Overconsumption could interfere with drug metabolism and increase the risk of bleeding; extra caution is advised during medication use.

5. Irritate the Respiratory Tract: The strong volatile odor of scallions may irritate the respiratory mucosa when consumed excessively, potentially triggering coughing or sneezing. For individuals with asthma or bronchitis, this may worsen their condition.

To consume scallions safely, limit intake to about 10–15 grams per serving. Pair them with cooling foods (such as tofu or winter melon) to balance their warming nature. Reduce consumption if experiencing eye discomfort or gastrointestinal sensitivity, and avoid eating large amounts on an empty stomach.