Who should not eat toona (Chinese toon芽)?
Dec 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, as a common seasonal vegetable in spring, people who should avoid eating Chinese toon (Xiangchun) sprouts mainly include those with allergic constitutions, gastrointestinal disorders, yin deficiency with excessive internal heat, pregnant women, and individuals with eye conditions. Consumption of Chinese toon sprouts should be determined according to one's individual physical condition, avoiding intake by unsuitable groups. Even healthy individuals are advised to blanch the sprouts before eating to reduce nitrite content and ensure greater food safety.
Generally, as a common seasonal vegetable in spring, people who should avoid eating Chinese toon sprouts (Xiangchunya) include those with allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, yin deficiency with excessive internal heat, pregnant women, and individuals with eye conditions. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Individuals with allergic tendencies: Chinese toon sprouts contain specific plant proteins that may trigger allergic reactions. After consumption, such individuals might experience itching, rashes, sneezing, or other discomforts; in severe cases, breathing difficulties could occur. Therefore, they should strictly avoid eating them.
2. Patients with gastrointestinal diseases: Chinese toon sprouts are relatively warm in nature and rich in dietary fiber, with a coarse texture. Patients with gastrointestinal issues often have weakened digestive function. Consuming these sprouts may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, worsening symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and acid reflux, thus hindering recovery.
3. Individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat: As a warming food, Chinese toon sprouts can exacerbate existing symptoms in people with yin deficiency, such as dry mouth, sore throat, and constipation. Eating them may intensify internal heat and worsen discomfort, which is unfavorable for balancing body constitution.
4. Pregnant women: Chinese toon sprouts contain trace amounts of nitrites. Although moderate intake poses no significant risk to healthy individuals, due to the unique physiological state of pregnancy, nitrites may pose potential risks to fetal development, so consumption is not recommended.
5. Patients with eye diseases: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese toon sprouts may aggravate eye discomfort, especially in individuals suffering from conjunctivitis, styes, or other ocular inflammations. Consumption may increase redness, swelling, and pain, impairing eye healing.
Consumption of Chinese toon sprouts should be based on individual physical condition, avoiding intake by those in unsuitable groups. Even healthy individuals are advised to blanch the sprouts before eating to reduce nitrite levels and ensure greater food safety.
