Winter is a good season for eating dog meat. There is a folk saying that goes, "Eating dog meat keeps you warm, no need for a quilt to survive the winter," and "Drinking dog meat soup can replace a quilt in winter." Dog meat has a rich and aromatic flavor, similar to lamb, and is considered a good supplement for the winter. So, what are the benefits of eating dog meat in winter?
Nutritional Composition of Dog Meat
Dog meat has a sweet, salty, sour, and warm nature. Every 100 grams of dog meat contains 14.5 grams of protein and 23.5 grams of fat, comparable to beef and pork. It also contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, various vitamins, and amino acids. It is not only delicious and nutritious but also has excellent medicinal effects.
Benefits of Eating Dog Meat in Winter
Enhances Physical Fitness
Dog meat is not only high in protein but also of excellent quality, especially in terms of globulin content. It has a significant effect on enhancing the body's disease resistance, cell vitality, and organ function. Consuming dog meat can strengthen the body, improve digestion, promote blood circulation, and enhance sexual function. Additionally, dog meat contains a small amount of rare elements, which have certain benefits for the treatment of ischemic heart and brain diseases and the regulation of high blood pressure.
Warms the Kidneys and Boosts Yang
Dog meat warms the kidneys and boosts yang energy. Consuming moderate amounts of dog meat in winter can have an auxiliary therapeutic effect on symptoms caused by kidney yang deficiency, such as lower back and knee pain, frequent urination, swelling, and hearing loss. Dog meat also warms and supplements the spleen and stomach, relieving symptoms caused by insufficient spleen and stomach yang energy, such as abdominal fullness, cold abdominal pain, and other conditions.
Enhances Cold Resistance
Dog meat has a mild nature and has the effect of tonifying the middle and enhancing immune function. Stewing dog meat with ginger and consuming it in winter can dispel cold, relieve joint pain, limb coldness, and fatigue.
Precautions for Eating Dog Meat in Winter
Avoid Eating Garlic with Dog Meat
Garlic is pungent and warm, and the volatile substances it contains can inhibit gastric acid secretion. As dog meat is warm in nature, consuming a large amount of fresh garlic while eating dog meat may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and hinder the digestion and absorption of dog meat.
Avoid Drinking Tea with Dog Meat
Dog meat is rich in protein, while tea contains a significant amount of tannic acid. Drinking tea immediately after eating dog meat can result in the combination of tannic acid from tea and protein from dog meat, forming tannic acid protein. This substance has an astringent effect, weakens intestinal peristalsis, and may lead to constipation. It also hinders the passive absorption of toxic substances and carcinogens produced during metabolism in the intestines, which is not beneficial to health.
Groups Who Should Be Cautious in Eating Dog Meat
People with non-cold diseases such as cough, cold, fever, diarrhea, and excessive yin fire should not consume dog meat. Those with cerebrovascular diseases, heart diseases, high blood pressure, and stroke sequelae should also avoid eating dog meat. Additionally, individuals who have recently recovered from a serious illness should refrain from eating dog meat.