What Should Not Be Eaten with Honey
Disease description:
My mother brought me some homemade honey from our hometown and said that eating more honey is good for health. However, I'm worried about possible food禁忌 (contraindications), so I really want to know, what foods should not be consumed with honey?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Food types that should not be consumed with honey:
1. Heat-producing foods: According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, honey is neutral to slightly cool in nature and has functions of moistening dryness and detoxification. If consumed together with heat-producing foods such as chili peppers, ginger, and scallions, it may cause excessive internal heat ("heat on top of heat"), leading to symptoms of excessive internal heat such as mouth ulcers and constipation.
2. Tofu: Consuming honey together with tofu is believed in traditional Chinese medicine to cause diarrhea. Although modern medicine lacks clear evidence supporting this view, tofu is rich in protein, and the enzymes in honey may affect protein digestion and absorption, potentially causing gastrointestinal discomfort.
3. Onion: Consuming honey together with onion is said to cause abdominal pain, nausea, and other symptoms. This may be related to chemical reactions of these foods within the gastrointestinal tract, although the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood.
4. Iron-containing medications or foods: The organic acids and enzyme components in honey may react with iron, affecting iron absorption and reducing the effectiveness of iron supplementation. Therefore, when taking iron-containing medications or consuming iron-rich foods, honey should not be consumed simultaneously.
When consuming honey, it is advisable to consume appropriate amounts according to individual conditions and pay attention to observing bodily reactions. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly.
