In autumn, a continuous stream of autumn fruits is brought to market, and the variety of fruits is abundant. Coupled with the dry autumn weather, eating some sweet and throat-soothing fruits is the most nourishing. However, although there are many autumn fruits, the saying goes, "A little of everything is good for you, but too much can upset your stomach," so everyone should practice moderation when eating fruit. Now, autumn fruits are flooding the market in a steady stream, with a wide variety of species. Because they are rich in nutrients, delicious, and have both medicinal and culinary benefits, everyone is eager to be the first to taste them. However, eating autumn fruits is not a case of "the more, the better." Overindulgence or binge eating can also lead to illness, so everyone should not take it lightly when indulging their "gastronomic desires."
1. Apple: Apple juice can stop diarrhea, eating it on an empty stomach can treat constipation, and eating it after a meal can aid digestion. However, apples are rich in sugars and potassium salts, and excessive intake is not beneficial for heart and kidney health. Those with coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, nephritis, or diabetes should strictly avoid eating too many.
2. Pear: It has effects such as relieving coughs, reducing phlegm, and clearing dryness. It is effective for treating coughs and asthma, wind-heat, and pharyngitis. Because of its cold nature, those with a weak spleen and stomach, excessive clear saliva, or loose stools should consume it with caution. Also, due to its high sugar content, overconsumption can raise blood sugar, so diabetics should eat it in moderation.
3. Citrus fruits: They contain a large amount of carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the blood and accumulates in the body, causing the skin to turn yellow, leading to "carotenemia," commonly known as "yellowing syndrome." This is followed by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and general fatigue. After developing "yellowing syndrome," one should consume an appropriate amount of vegetable oil and drink plenty of water to accelerate its dissolution, conversion, and excretion.
4. Persimmon: It is rich in vitamins A, C, and tannic acid, making it nutritious. It has effects such as lowering blood pressure, stopping bleeding, clearing heat, lubricating the intestines, and moistening the lungs to promote fluid production. However, it contains a large amount of persimmon gum and pectin. When it encounters stomach acid, it can coagulate into fibrous clumps, known as "bezoars," leading to stomach pain and indigestion. Furthermore, because pectin has an astringent effect, it is contraindicated for those with constipation. It should not be taken on an empty stomach, nor should it be eaten with crabs or sweet potatoes, as this can more easily lead to the formation of bezoars.
5. Pomegranate: It contains a large amount of fructose and various vitamins and minerals. It is sweet and warm in nature, classified as a fruit that generates dampness and heat. Pomegranate is effective for treating dysentery, rectal prolapse, and pharyngitis. However, those with a weak constitution, yin deficiency, and internal heat should consume it with caution. It is also not advisable for those with early-stage diarrhea or damp-heat to eat fresh fruit. Even for healthy people, it should not be eaten in excess, as it can damage teeth and cause loss of appetite.
6. Water chestnut, Chinese water caltrop: Many people eat raw water chestnuts by peeling them with their teeth and eat raw water chestnuts without peeling them, without disinfection and sterilization, which can easily lead to infection with Fasciolopsis buski. The parasite is plump and looks very much like a slice of ginger under a microscope. After entering the human body, it parasitizes in the small intestine, leading to malnutrition, weight loss, and anemia, with greater harm to children. Furthermore, both have a cold and slippery nature, and even healthy people should not eat them in excess. They are also not suitable for those with a weak spleen and stomach, loose stools and diarrhea, or insufficient kidney yang.
7. Chestnut: It contains starch, protein, crude fiber, and various vitamins. It is sweet and warm in nature, sweet, glutinous, and delicious, earning it the reputation of "king of a thousand fruits" and "woody grain." Chestnuts have the effects of replenishing qi, nourishing the kidneys, strengthening the spleen, tonifying the liver, and regulating the digestive system. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is called the "kidney fruit" and is especially suitable for patients with kidney diseases. However, chestnuts are firm and difficult to digest when raw. When cooked, they can easily cause qi stagnation and food accumulation, so they should not be eaten in large quantities at once. It has an effect of securing the intestines and stopping diarrhea, so it is contraindicated for those with constipation, as it can worsen the symptoms.