Oranges are sweet and sour, delicious, and nutritious. They have the effects of promoting saliva secretion to relieve cough, harmonizing the stomach to promote urination, and moistening the lungs to resolve phlegm. Additionally, eating oranges can inhibit *Staphylococcus aureus*. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that the pulp, peel, pith, seeds, and leaves of an orange can all be used as Chinese medicine. However, while oranges are beneficial, there are also contraindications. Therefore, people should remember these precautions when eating oranges to maintain health and prevent discomfort.
Four Major Taboos of Eating Oranges to Be Aware Of
Oranges are rich in Vitamin C and citric acid. The former has a beautifying effect, while the latter can eliminate fatigue, promote bowel movements, and lower cholesterol to prevent arteriosclerosis. Regular consumption is not only beneficial to health but also helps maintain youthfulness.
Taboo 1: People with Yin deficiency constitution should eat less
Oranges are warm-natured, and eating too many can easily lead to "heatiness," especially for individuals with a Yin deficiency and Yang excess constitution. It is best to eat fewer oranges; otherwise, symptoms such as mouth sores, dry mouth, dry throat, and constipation may occur.
Taboo 2: Not suitable to eat before meals or on an empty stomach
Although oranges have many benefits, they should be eaten regularly but not excessively. It is also recommended not to eat oranges on an empty stomach because the pulp contains a certain amount of organic acids, which can easily irritate the gastric mucosa.
Taboo 3: Not suitable to be eaten with radishes
After radishes enter the human body, they quickly produce a substance called sulfates, which are then metabolized into an anti-thyroid substance—thiocyanate. If oranges are consumed at this time, the flavonoids in the oranges are broken down in the intestines and converted into p-hydroxybenzoic acid and ferulic acid. These substances can enhance the inhibitory effect of thiocyanate on the thyroid, thereby inducing or causing goiter.
Taboo 4: Not suitable to be eaten with milk
The protein in milk can easily react with the citric acid and Vitamin C in oranges, coagulating into clumps. This not only affects digestion and absorption but can also cause symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is not advisable to drink milk within 1 hour before or after eating oranges.
Extended Reading: The Effects of Different Parts of an Orange
The orange peel is a key medicine in TCM for regulating Qi, removing dryness, promoting urination, resolving phlegm, stopping cough, strengthening the spleen, and harmonizing the stomach. The scraped-off white inner layer of the orange peel is called "Chenpi" (tangerine peel), which has the effect of regulating lung Qi, eliminating phlegm, and stopping cough. The pith on the orange segments, known as "ju絡" (orange pith), can unblock the meridians and resolve phlegm accumulation. Orange seeds can be used to treat [various conditions].