Oranges are now in season, but many people are afraid to eat too many of them, believing that eating too many will cause "heatiness". This is not entirely correct. Relevant experts explain that while oranges are considered warm and belong to the category of "heaty" fruits, they are not the cause of heatiness. Individuals who are inherently prone to "heatiness"—especially when fatigued or with a weakened immune system—may find that eating oranges exacerbates the problem. Oranges have medicinal effects such as moistening the lungs, stopping coughs, resolving phlegm, strengthening the spleen, regulating qi, and quenching thirst. They are an excellent fruit for everyone, particularly the elderly, and those with acute or chronic bronchitis and cardiovascular diseases.
People with a cold stomach, those who feel cold in the winter, those with anemia, and those with heavy menstrual periods can eat oranges. They are especially beneficial for elderly patients on long-term antihypertensive medication as they help replenish potassium. However, individuals with internal heat, fever, infectious diseases, or women in menopause should try to eat them in moderation.