Fruits should be eaten in moderation
Autumn is the season when a large variety of fruits are available. A wide array of fruits tempts children's appetites. However, what many people don't realize is that some fruits should not be consumed in excess by children, as it can harm their health.
Persimmons: With their thin skin, vibrant color, and sweet taste, persimmons are a fruit that children love. Persimmons are rich in sucrose, glucose, fructose, vitamin C, and various gelatinous substances, as well as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. However, if eaten in large quantities before meals, the tannic acid, tannins, and gelatin in persimmons can react with stomach acid to form indissolvable hard lumps. Larger lumps can remain in the stomach, causing stomach stones, which manifest as bloating, stomach pain, vomiting, and indigestion. If a child already has gastritis or a stomach ulcer, this could trigger dangerous complications like a stomach perforation or bleeding. Therefore, children should not eat too many persimmons at once; limit to 1-2 per time, and do not eat the skin to avoid persimmon stone disease.
Sugarcane: Sugarcane contains a large amount of sucrose. After being broken down by digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, it can increase the body's blood sugar concentration, and the more you eat, the higher it goes. When the blood sugar concentration exceeds the normal limit, it can often promote the growth and reproduction of *Staphylococcus* bacteria on the skin, leading to small boils or carbuncles. Therefore, children should not eat too much sugarcane, with a daily limit of no more than 50 grams.
Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits are rich in citric and malic acid, which can help regulate qi, strengthen the spleen, resolve phlegm, and relieve coughs. They are also beneficial for treating acute and chronic respiratory infections and indigestion. However, eating too many citrus fruits can cause a sharp increase in the body's carotene levels, leading to carotenemia. Therefore, children should eat citrus fruits in moderation, with a maximum of 2-3 per day.