Kelp and persimmons are incompatible. Consuming them together forms insoluble compounds that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. When calcium-rich kelp is eaten with tannin-heavy persimmons, the calcium ions in kelp bind with persimmon tannins to create insoluble compounds. This can impair digestion and absorption of certain nutrients, leading to stomach upset. Therefore, kelp should not be consumed with persimmons.
Tea
Kelp and tea are incompatible and may cause stomach discomfort. Avoid drinking tea immediately after eating kelp, as tea contains tannic acid. Kelp is rich in iron, and tannic acid can hinder iron absorption in the body.Avoid eating sour or astringent fruits immediately after consuming kelp. If arsenic in kelp hasn't been thoroughly rinsed off, the vitamin C in these fruits can react with it to form toxic compounds. Additionally, the plant acids in sour/astringent fruits can interfere with iron absorption from kelp.
Pork Blood
Kelp and pork blood are incompatible. Consuming them together hinders digestion and absorption, leading to constipation.
Licorice
Kelp should not be eaten with licorice. Kelp is a salty, cold, and slippery food rich in iodine, which can react adversely with certain components in licorice.Licorice tonifies qi and strengthens the spleen, pairing best with sweet and warm ingredients. Since kelp is salty and cold, it must be avoided when taking licorice.
Acidic Foods
Kelp is an alkaline food and should not be consumed with acidic foods.Examples include egg yolks, cheese, desserts, white sugar, tuna, flounder; ham, bacon, chicken, pork, eel, beef, bread, wheat, etc.
Three Major Taboos When Eating Kelp
1. Kelp should not be soaked for extended periods
Avoid prolonged soaking before consumption.Generally, soaking for about 6 hours is sufficient. Prolonged soaking causes nutrients like water-soluble vitamins and minerals to dissolve in water, reducing nutritional value. If kelp becomes mushy and loses its chewiness after soaking, it has spoiled and should not be consumed. Traditional Chinese medicine considers kelp cold in nature; those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold should avoid it.
2. Avoid Using Kelp as a Staple Food
Long-term consumption of kelp as a staple food should be avoided, as it may lead to excessive iodine intake and adversely affect health. Additionally, kelp contains trace amounts of arsenic, and excessive arsenic intake can cause poisoning. Therefore, kelp should be rinsed thoroughly with water before consumption to dissolve the arsenic.
3. Special groups should exercise caution when eating kelp
Individuals with hyperthyroidism should avoid kelp due to its high iodine content, which may exacerbate symptoms. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should also limit kelp consumption. Iodine in kelp can enter the fetus or infant via the bloodstream, potentially causing thyroid dysfunction.