1. Raw Radishes: A Tummy Ache and Stomach Woe
According to traditional beliefs, it’s common practice to “eat radishes in winter and ginger in summer.” However, raw radishes are cooling in nature and tend to cause stomach upsets if consumed in the evening. They can irritate the spleen and stomach, affecting digestion. Even the sweeter varieties of radishes should be avoided raw in the evenings.
Recommendation: Cook radishes instead. Try them in soups like radish rib soup or beef radish soup for a nourishing and easily digestible meal.

2. Coriander (Cilantro): A Yang Energy Drain
Coriander, often referred to as “gut-wrenching grass” in folk culture, has a dispersing effect on the body. Consuming it in the evening can deplete your yang energy, potentially disrupting your internal balance, especially for the elderly or those with weaker constitutions.
Note: If you enjoy hot pot in the evenings, refrain from adding too much cilantro to the pot to maintain your long-term health.
3. Chili Peppers: Heating Up and Keeping You Up
Chili peppers are a favorite for many, but they pack a spicy punch. After the spring equinox, indulging in too many chili peppers can lead to heat accumulation in the body, resulting in symptoms like dry mouth, skin, restlessness, internal heat, and insomnia.
Recommendation: Curb your chili cravings in the evenings to maintain balance and avoid overstimulating your nervous system.
4. Onions: A Breath of Heavy Air and Belly Burden
Onions have a strong stimulating effect, and consuming them in the evening can lead to bad breath, bloating, and excessive gas. For those with weak digestive systems, eating onions at night can exacerbate digestive issues.
Advice: Opt for onions during the day when your digestive system is more active.

5. Cucumbers: A Cool Customer, Not So Cool for Your Tummy
Cucumbers are a popular choice, packed with water and vitamins. However, their cooling and yin nature make them unsuitable for evening consumption, especially during colder seasons. For those prone to cold hands and feet or suffering from asthenia, cucumbers in the evening can increase yin energy, impacting circulation.
An old saying goes, “In winter, eating winter melon lets the cold energy into the house,” highlighting the importance of choosing foods according to the season and time of day.
A Delicious and Nutritious Vietnamese Treat: Banh Chung, But a Big No-No for These 7 Types of People
It is important to note that there are certain individuals for whom eating Banh Chung can be detrimental to their health. This traditional Vietnamese dish, a sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves and filled with mung beans and pork belly, is a delicious treat but may not suit everyone’s dietary needs or restrictions.