Is squid considered a cold-natured food?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Huang Yuhong

Introduction

In general, according to traditional Chinese medicine theory, squid is considered a cold-natured food. Moderate consumption is harmless for most people, but individuals with a cold body constitution should be cautious. Excessive consumption of squid by those with a cold constitution may increase internal coldness, leading to discomfort such as cold hands and feet or abdominal pain; therefore, large amounts should be avoided. When cooking, it is advisable to pair squid with warming ingredients such as ginger and garlic.

Squid is generally considered a cold-natured food in traditional Chinese medicine. Moderate consumption is harmless for most people, but individuals with a cold body constitution should exercise caution. Detailed analysis is as follows:

As a common seafood ingredient, squid is classified as having a cold nature with a sweet and salty taste. It is believed to nourish yin, enrich the blood, moisten dryness, and promote body fluid production. For individuals with a hot or overheated constitution, moderate consumption may help relieve symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, and irritability. Additionally, squid is rich in high-quality protein and essential minerals, providing valuable nutrition. However, excessive consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomfort such as bloating or diarrhea.

For individuals with a cold constitution, eating too much squid may increase internal coldness, potentially causing symptoms like cold hands and feet or abdominal pain. Therefore, they should avoid consuming large amounts. When cooking squid, pairing it with warming ingredients such as ginger or garlic can help neutralize some of its cold properties and reduce the risk of adverse effects.

In daily life, it's important to consume squid according to one’s individual body constitution, cultivate healthy eating habits, and maintain overall physical well-being.

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Can squid meat that has turned yellow still be eaten?

In general, whether yellowish squid meat is edible depends on the cause and condition of the discoloration. If the yellowing is due to mild oxidation and there are no signs of spoilage, it is safe to eat. However, if the yellow color results from spoilage, it is not recommended for consumption. For daily storage, it's advisable to place squid in a sealed bag or an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Refrigerated squid should ideally be consumed within 24 hours, while freezing can extend its shelf life.

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Is the purine content of shredded squid high?

Dried shredded squid is a high-purine food. Squid naturally contains relatively high levels of purines, and when processed into dried shredded form, the reduction in water content further concentrates the purine level, resulting in a purine content per 100 grams that far exceeds the standards for low- or medium-purine foods. For healthy individuals, moderate consumption allows the body to metabolize purines normally without causing discomfort, while also providing beneficial nutrients such as protein and minerals.