What to eat when is already arranged by the Creator in the seasonal fruits and vegetables that are abundant in the four seasons. Today, I'm going to recommend a seasonal fruit suitable for winter: the orange.
Nutritional Value of Oranges
Oranges are rich in glucose, fructose, sucrose, vitamins, malic acid, citric acid, dietary fiber, minerals, and more.
The pulp of the orange is sweet and sour in taste, and cool in nature. Regular consumption has the effects of stimulating appetite, regulating qi, relieving coughs, and moistening dryness. The orange pith (the white strands) is sweet and bitter in taste, and neutral in nature. Regular consumption has the effects of activating collaterals, promoting qi circulation, resolving phlegm, and moistening the lungs.
The Benefits of Eating Oranges Regularly
1. Oranges have a high water content and are also rich in vitamins, especially vitamins C and B1. These can not only enhance the liver's detoxification and detox functions and accelerate the conversion of cholesterol, but also effectively alleviate symptoms of thick blood and arteriosclerosis. The hesperidin it contains can also effectively strengthen the toughness of capillaries, making it very suitable for people with cardiovascular diseases such as hyperlipidemia, vascular sclerosis, and coronary heart disease.
2. The pulp of oranges contains a substance called "nomilin," which has significant anti-cancer effects. Eating one orange a day can effectively resist the onset of oral cancer, stomach cancer, and others.
3. According to research by researchers at the British Royal, eating oranges regularly can help block the formation of renal cysts (a benign tumor). Furthermore, naringenin contained in citrus has a significant protective effect on the kidneys. It is recommended that people eat 1-2 oranges daily to protect their kidneys.
4. Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which is involved in the synthesis of human collagen and has strong antioxidant effects. Regular consumption has certain beauty and anti-aging effects.
Oranges are great, but don't overdo it.
1. Control your portion size. Many people say that eating too many oranges can cause "heatiness" (上火), but that's not all. Because the pulp is cool in nature, people with sensitive stomachs, or those with a cold and damp or deficient-cold constitution should not eat too many. Although vitamin C is good, excessive intake can easily lead to an increase in oxalic acid metabolism in the body, raising the risk of gallstones and kidney stones. This is especially true for the elderly, who should pay more attention to not eating too many. Eating 1-2 a day is enough to meet the body's needs.
2. Don't eat on an empty stomach. The pulp is sweet and sour, and eating it on an empty stomach can easily stimulate the stomach to secrete gastric acid. The organic acids in the pulp can also irritate the gastric mucosa, so do not eat oranges on an empty stomach. It's best to eat them after a meal, which can also aid digestion.
3. Be mindful of food incompatibilities. Oranges should not be eaten with radishes, as this can easily goiter. They also should not be eaten with beef brains, as this not only affects digestion and absorption but can also easily cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. It is recommended to avoid eating oranges for about an hour before or after eating radishes or drinking milk to avoid adverse symptoms.
4. Eat both the pulp and the pith. The edible value of oranges is not only in the pulp; the orange pith is also very beneficial. It is recommended to eat the orange pith along with the pulp.
Eating oranges in winter has many benefits, but don't be afraid. As long as we pay a little attention—don't overdo it, don't eat them on an empty stomach, and don't eat them with radishes or milk—there won't be any problems.