Dragon codPollackis a type of fish, and the common people suspect that it is a substitute for cheaper oilfish. However, many experts are also unsure whether dragon pollack is actually an oily fish. Without fully clarifying whether dragon pollack is indeed an oily fish, in order to ensure everyone's health safety, it is suggested that people try not to eat dragon pollack and some cheaper "pollack".

What is dragon cod

Dragon cod is actually not a true cod.Currently, there are roughly three types of cod available on the Chinese market: dragon cod,silver codand water cod.But none of these are actual cod; instead, they are oily fish.

Due to the good taste and high nutritional value of cod, it is very popular among consumers. Some merchants take advantage of the imprecision in Chinese character expression and legal oversight to manipulate the term "cod" for commercial gain.They give oily fish names that resemble "cod," such as "dragon cod."

The true identity of dragon cod—oily fish—is a deep-sea fish.In an oily fish's weight, more than 40% is wax ester. Due to the high melting point of wax esters at around 99°C, which our bodies cannot break down or absorb, it can cause intestinal irritation leading to diarrhea and the excretion of orange-yellow oils. However, one will not suffer from poisoning.It has been reported that in foreign countries, oily fish are mostly used for industrial purposes, and many nations do not advise their citizens to consume oily fish.

Although the wax esters in oily fish are non-toxic, they are difficult for the human body to digest and accumulate in the rectum. This can result in diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and the expulsion of oil from the anus after consumption.Symptoms appear within 30 minutes after ingestion, usually subsiding within two days.

Is dragon cod harmful to health

There have been reports of a Guangzhou resident who experienced diarrhea after consuming cheap dragon cod. The family cat also exhibited similar symptoms.Similar experiences were reported by other consumers who ate what they believed was cod in a restaurant and subsequently experienced diarrhea the next day, followed by the expulsion of orange-colored liquid.

It is known that this type of fish sold on the market is called dragon cod; it is cheap, priced at around ten yuan per catty.Because of its similarity to silver cod, merchants call it "dragon cod" to attract attention from consumers.

Investigations show that sales of dragon cod are quite good.In seafood wholesale markets, out of every ten buyers, three purchase this type of fish.

However, regarding the classification and nutritional value of dragon cod, even experts cannot provide a clear answer.

It is suggested here to inform everyone that the meat quality of dragon cod or water cod is coarse and contains large amounts of fats indigestible by humans, which are also the reasons for causing diarrhea.Therefore, in order to maintain health, one should not be tempted by cheap prices and buy inexpensive cod.

Difference between dragon cod and silver cod

Dragon cod gets its name "dragon cod" due to its resemblance to silver cod.However, the nutritional value and texture of these two types of fish are vastly different.To protect consumer rights, it is essential to know how to distinguish between dragon cod and silver cod.

Silver cod is a cold-water deep-sea fish with fine, tender meat that contains various nutrients. It is known as the "nutritionist on the dining table" in Europe; thus, what people usually refer to as cod are generally silver cod.There are many types of cod, with silver cod being the best. Water cod is also a type of cod but is cheaper and has less nutritional value.

Cod sold in the market is typically headless and cut into pieces; it's difficult for ordinary people to distinguish between true silver cod and fake ones, but one can differentiate by price, scales, and meat quality.True silver cod appears with fine, tender flesh, small scales, and tiny silvery spots. A catty priced below 60 yuan is not genuine silver cod.Silver cod has a sweet, smooth texture; it can be eaten raw likesalmonwith mustard.Water cod, on the other hand, has loose and watery meat with poor texture. Its scales are large and hard, and it is very cheap.

Can pregnant women eat dragon cod

As previously mentioned, some consumers have reported experiencing diarrhea after consuming low-cost cod pieces purchased from them. Some diners at restaurants also reported similar symptoms after eating related cod dishes, followed by the expulsion of orange-colored liquids.

However, there are also cases where no such symptoms occurred after eating the same type of fish dish.So can pregnant women eat dragon cod?

The answer is no.Currently, many people believe that dragon cod is actually a cheap oilfish.In these oily fish's weight, 40% is oil.Due to the high melting point of this oil at around 1000°C, although it is not toxic, our intestines cannot digest it. It accumulates in the rectum and irritates it, leading to diarrhea or abdominal cramps.

For the health of expectant mothers and the development of their unborn babies, it is recommended that people avoid eating dragon cod.