Should you eat loach regularly?

My family often eats loach because many people believe it's rich in nutrients, calcium, and especially enhances libido. Is this true? (Tuan, 43 years old, Hanoi )

Reply:

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, loach is considered "aquatic ginseng" because of its many benefits in nourishing the body and enhancing sexual function. Loach is rich in lysine, an essential component in sperm formation. Therefore, eating loach not only helps increase sperm count but also improves sperm quality.

In addition, loach is rich in calcium. According to the Vietnamese Food Composition Table, 100g of loach provides 109mg of calcium along with protein and other nutrients. This calcium content is six times higher than that of carp and about ten times higher than that of squid, helping to prevent rickets in children and strengthen bones in the elderly. You can cook it with tofu to maximize calcium intake.

Eating small fish with bones allows for maximum calcium absorption. To ensure optimal quality, choose fresh, live eels that are still wriggling, have large bodies, clear eyes, shiny skin, and bright red gills. You can eat this type of fish regularly, but it's important to diversify your diet and avoid consuming it continuously.

Furthermore, avoid eating loach with vinegar, tomatoes, or dog meat due to the risk of poisoning and digestive disorders. Cook it thoroughly and avoid eating it raw or undercooked to prevent parasitic infections.

General Practitioner Bui Dac Sang
Hanoi Traditional Medicine Association

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