In folklore, there has always been a saying that “all meat is nourishing except pork,” fundamentally because eating pork can lead to obesity. Despite being meat from the pig, pig stomach receives high regard.
Strictly speaking, there isn’t much difference in cholesterol and fat content between pig stomach and pork; consuming too much of either can cause obesity. In some regions, there is a belief in the medicinal properties of pig stomach, which has been validated.
Pig stomach, being the stomach of animals in the pig family, is believed to have efficacy in treating weakness, diarrhea, frequent urination, children’s malnutrition, and thirst. It is also used in cooking various dishes and contains elements like calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, as well as vitamins A, E, proteins, and fat.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, pig stomach is considered to have a warming nature, nourishing properties, and benefits for the spleen and stomach. Moderate consumption is beneficial to the body, and it is relatively low in calories.
While it can cause weight gain, exaggerating its medicinal effects is unwarranted. Dietary therapy has limited effects and slow results, so serious illnesses should be promptly treated with appropriate medication.
Prevention and Treatment of Iron-deficiency Anemia
It is effective in preventing and treating iron-deficiency anemia because pig stomach, as an animal organ, is rich in hemoglobin iron. Consuming pig stomach provides the body with ample iron elements, significantly aiding in preventing and treating iron-deficiency anemia.
Treating spleen and stomach weakness, moderating food intake
Take a pig stomach (cleaned), ginseng, citrus peel (soaked and pitted, diced) in equal parts, half a bowl of rice, and a pig spleen (cleaned and finely chopped). Mix together the rice with ginseng, citrus peel, and spleen and stuff the pig stomach with the mixture. Steam until well cooked, then consume on an empty stomach. The amount of salt and soy sauce can be adjusted as desired. This method is from the “YifangLeiju” and cites the “Shiyi Xinjing”.
Tonifying Qi deficiency
Particularly beneficial for men who are thin and experience shortness of breath, even issues like frequent emission of semen;
Consuming pig stomach can help in such cases as it is warm in nature, acting as an excellent tonic to replenish deficiencies.
Beauty and Skincare
Pig stomach strips are a healthy ingredient for beauty and skincare. They facilitate the absorption of collagen, beta-carotene, and retinol, promoting skin cell regeneration and reproduction, enhancing skin’s anti-aging abilities, and reducing surface wrinkles. Regular consumption can improve skin elasticity and reduce skin blemishes significantly.
1. Best not to exceed two bowls
Limit to a maximum of two bowls of soup per meal. Although tempting, excessive consumption can burden the digestive system due to the high-fat content in pig stomach soup. If concerned about overeating, start with two bowls of soup, then eat the pig stomach. If still hungry, reduce rice intake and increase vegetable consumption to aid digestion. Avoid consuming main dishes if having pig stomach soup at night and remove the fat from the soup.
2. Avoid deep-frying, stir-frying, and pickling
Deep-frying, stir-frying, or pickling pig stomach increases its calorie content. Overeating such prepared dishes raises cholesterol levels and accumulates fats, negatively impacting health. When consuming pig stomach, ensure to include fresh vegetables to supplement the body with fiber in a timely manner.
3. Not suitable for overweight individuals
As pig stomach belongs to the meat category, it adds certain fatty substances to the body after consumption, which can burden the bodies of overweight individuals.
