Kiwifruit is known as the "king of fruits," but it's not suitable for everyone, and some health-conscious individuals should not eat too much of it. Additionally, there are specific considerations for eating kiwifruit. So, what are the specific considerations for consuming kiwifruit?
Kiwifruit relieves constipation but can cause "heartburn"
Kiwifruit can relieve constipation and is rich in vitamin C, earning it the title "king of fruits." However, Zhu Xinyi, an associate chief physician of the Internal Medicine Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, reminds us that kiwifruit is a "cold" natured fruit. Overconsumption can damage the spleen and stomach's yang energy, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Those with a sensitive stomach should eat less kiwifruit
Furthermore, the large amount of vitamin C and pectin in kiwifruit can increase stomach acid and burden the stomach, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, acid reflux, and heartburn, which can worsen in cold weather. During the current cold season, patients with stomach issues (spleen and stomach yang deficiency) should eat less kiwifruit or avoid it altogether.
Incompatible Food Pairings
Kiwifruit + Milk: Affects digestion and absorption, leading to bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Who Should Avoid It
Individuals with a weak spleen and loose stools, those suffering from a common cold due to wind-cold, malaria, dysentery due to cold-dampness, chronic gastritis, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, or children with diarrhea should avoid eating kiwifruit.
Who Is It Suitable For
Kiwifruit can be eaten by the general population. It is suitable for people with low moods, frequent consumers of grilled food, and those who often suffer from constipation. It is particularly suitable for cancer patients, individuals with hypertension, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular diseases, poor appetite, indigestion, and special workers such as those in aviation, high-altitude areas, and mines.
Allergic Reactions in Children
Scientific research shows that excessive consumption of kiwifruit by children can cause severe allergic reactions, even leading to collapse. The study indicates that children under 5 are most susceptible to kiwifruit allergies. Among the 300 people surveyed, 80 were children, and two-thirds of them had adverse reactions the first time they ate kiwifruit. Among them, two 4-month-old infants and one 1-year-old baby had such strong reactions that they had to be hospitalized. Adverse reactions in children include itching of the mouth and throat, and tongue swelling. Among the surveyed individuals, 41 were children under 5, and 40% of them experienced severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and collapse after eating kiwifruit. However, there have been no reported deaths from eating kiwifruit.