Overview of the health benefits of turtles

Turtle is regarded as a symbol of longevity in traditional Chinese culture, and its health value is mainly reflected inNourishes the liver and kidneys, enhances immunity, and delays agingetc. Turtle shell, turtle plate and turtle meat can be used as medicine, often used to regulate yin deficiency, insufficient qi and blood and other problems. Modern research also shows that turtle extract is rich in collagen, amino acids and trace elements, and has certain benefits for joint health and skin elasticity. It should be noted that wild turtles are protected by law, and health care applications must be based on artificial breeding and must be used according to medical advice. The following will be developed from three aspects: traditional medicine, modern research and practical suggestions.

Turtle health applications in traditional medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that turtle shells (such asturtle glue), salty and cold in nature and flavor, returns to liver and kidney meridian, hasNourishes yin and subdues yang, nourishes kidneys and strengthens bonesIt is often used to treat yin deficiency, hot flashes, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees. "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that the tortoise shell "mainly leaks red and white under the skin, and can cure malaria and malaria". Li Shizhen, a doctor in the Ming Dynasty, listed it as a top-quality tonic. Classic prescriptions such asDabuyin Pill,Guilu Erxian GuoAll contain tortoise shell ingredients. It should be noted that turtle shells need to be fried in sand or roasted in vinegar before they can be used as medicine. Eating them directly may cause discomfort.

Modern scientific research on turtle health care

Modern analysis has found that tortoise shells are rich inCalcium, Phosphorus, CollagenandChondroitin sulfate, contributes to bone and joint health. Some studies have pointed out that the protein content of turtle meat is as high as 16%-20%, and it contains 8 essential amino acids for the human body (as shown in the table below). In addition, active substances in turtle blood may have antioxidant effects, but related research is still in the experimental stage. Currently, most of the legal turtle health products on the market are extracts from artificially bred Chinese tortoises or Brazilian tortoises, such as"Guiling paste"(with tortoise shell and smilax as the main ingredients) and other traditional foods.

Precautions and suggestions for turtle health care

Things to follow when using turtles for health careLegal, appropriate, symptomaticPrinciples: ① Wild turtles are mostly protected animals, and artificially bred products produced by regular manufacturers should be selected, such asTong Ren Tang tortoise shell glue,Lei Yunshang Guiling Cream; ② People with a yin-deficient constitution are more suitable for tortoise shell nourishment, and those with a yang-deficient or damp-heat constitution should use it with caution; ③ Turtle paste and other products contain higher sugar content, and diabetic patients need to control their intake. The 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia clarifies that the dosage of tortoise shell is 9-24g/day, and it is prohibited for pregnant women.

Summary and extension suggestions

Taken together, the health value of turtles has been partially verified in traditional medicine and modern research, but its efficacy needs to be viewed rationally and exaggerated publicity should be avoided. It is recommended to use turtle products under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, giving priority toDrug brand name (national drug approval number)orJianzihao (Weishijianzi)products. For daily health maintenance, you can consume Guiling Jeal in moderation (such asShenghetangbrand) but is not a substitute for medical treatment. Protect the ecological balance and refuse to purchase illegal wildlife products.

Quote sources:

1. "Compendium of Materia Medica" (Li Shizhen, Ming Dynasty) records about turtle plates
2. Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition tortoise shell entry
3. Tongrentang, Lei Yunshang, Shenghetang and other companies disclose product information
4. "Chinese Food Composition List" (Peking University Medical Press)