Which Six Types of People Should Not Eat Tremella
Nov 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
There is no such thing as "six types of people who should not eat tremella," but individuals who may need to avoid consuming tremella include those with diabetes, poor digestive function, a phlegm-damp constitution, impaired kidney function, or those allergic to tremella. For these groups, consuming tremella may increase bodily strain or cause discomfort. Tremella itself has low sugar content, but it is often cooked with rock sugar, red dates, and other sweet ingredients.
There is no such thing as "six types of people who should not eat tremella," but in general, individuals who should avoid or limit tremella consumption include those with diabetes, weak digestive function, phlegm-damp constitution, kidney insufficiency, and those allergic to tremella. For these groups, consuming tremella may increase bodily strain or trigger discomfort.
1. Diabetic patients: Tremella itself has a low sugar content, but it is often cooked with rock sugar, red dates, or other sweet ingredients that significantly increase its sugar level. Even when prepared without added sugar, the polysaccharides in tremella may still affect blood glucose levels. Consumption by diabetic patients can lead to blood sugar fluctuations and must be strictly controlled.
2. Individuals with weak digestion: Tremella is rich in dietary fiber and becomes gelatinous when stewed. Elderly people, young children, or those with weak spleen and stomach function may experience bloating, belching, indigestion, or even worsened constipation due to slow gastrointestinal motility after consuming it.
3. People with phlegm-damp constitution: Tremella is relatively cooling in nature and inherently greasy. Those with excessive phlegm-dampness—manifested as thick, greasy tongue coating, sticky bowel movements, and bodily heaviness—may experience increased accumulation of internal dampness after consuming tremella, worsening phlegm-damp symptoms and disrupting metabolic balance.
4. Individuals with kidney insufficiency: Tremella contains a relatively high amount of plant protein and phosphorus. Those with impaired kidney function have reduced ability to excrete metabolic waste, and excessive tremella intake may increase the kidneys' workload, potentially exacerbating kidney damage. Intake should be carefully controlled under medical guidance.
5. People allergic to tremella: A small number of individuals may be allergic to proteins or polysaccharides in tremella. After consumption, they may develop allergic reactions such as skin itching, rashes, or throat swelling. These individuals should avoid tremella entirely to prevent severe allergic responses.
When consuming tremella, choose dried products free from sulfur fumigation, thoroughly rinse after soaking to remove impurities, minimize sugar use during cooking, or substitute with sugar alternatives. Avoid overconsumption, and do not eat leftover tremella overnight, as it may promote bacterial growth.
