What should not be eaten with crabs

Nov 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Crabs should generally not be consumed in large quantities together with watermelon, persimmon, strong tea, pork liver, or mung bean soup, as combining these foods with crabs may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or affect health. If persistent abdominal pain, diarrhea, or allergic reactions occur after consuming them together, medical attention is recommended. Crabs are inherently cold in nature, and eating them in large amounts with other cold foods can increase internal coldness in the body.

Crabs should generally not be consumed in large quantities together with watermelon, persimmons, strong tea, pork liver, or mung bean soup, as combining these foods with crabs may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or affect health. If persistent abdominal pain, diarrhea, or allergic reactions occur after consuming them together, medical attention is recommended.

1. Watermelon: Watermelon is considered cold in nature, and crabs are inherently cooling as well. Consuming large amounts of both together increases internal coldness, which may stimulate constriction of gastrointestinal blood vessels and easily lead to bloating and diarrhea. Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold may experience more pronounced discomfort after eating them together.

2. Persimmon: Persimmons contain high levels of tannins, which can bind with the protein in crabs to form indigestible precipitates. These may accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing stomach pain, nausea, and even impairing nutrient absorption, leading to indigestion.

3. Strong tea: Strong tea contains high levels of tannins. When consumed with crab, tannins can hinder the digestion and absorption of crab proteins and may also bind with minerals to form complexes, increasing gastrointestinal burden and potentially causing bloating.

4. Pork liver: Pork liver is a high-purine food, while crab is moderately high in purines. Consuming large amounts of both together can rapidly elevate uric acid levels in the body, potentially triggering acute gout attacks. Individuals with high uric acid levels should strictly avoid this combination.

5. Mung bean soup: Mung bean soup is cold in nature and rich in dietary fiber. When eaten with crab, it may intensify the cooling effect and stimulate intestinal motility, possibly leading to diarrhea and abdominal pain. This is especially concerning for individuals with weak constitutions, who should limit simultaneous consumption.

When eating crab, consider pairing it with warming ingredients such as shredded ginger or perilla leaves to counteract its cold nature. Opt for light cooking methods like steaming or boiling, limit intake to no more than two crabs at a time, and take a light walk afterward to aid digestion.

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