Can spinach and seaweed be eaten together?

It is generally not recommended to eat spinach and seaweed together. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Spinach contains oxalic acid, while seaweed is rich in calcium. Oxalic acid combines with calcium to form calcium oxalate. Although the human body can metabolize small amounts of calcium oxalate, excessive amounts may deposit in the urinary system, increasing the risk of stone formation. Therefore, consuming large quantities of spinach and seaweed together may increase the likelihood of developing urinary stones.

In addition, certain components in seaweed may bind with iron from spinach, forming compounds that are difficult to absorb, thus affecting iron absorption. Both seaweed and spinach are nutritionally rich foods; however, improper pairing might interfere with the absorption and utilization of their respective nutrients.

In daily diets, individuals should pay attention to food combinations to avoid adverse health effects caused by improper pairing. Before consuming spinach, it is best to first blanch it in boiling water, which can remove most of the oxalic acid and reduce the risk of stone formation.