Pear: It has effects such as relieving cough, resolving phlegm, and clearing dryness, and is effective for treating cough, asthma, wind-heat, pharyngitis, etc.
As soon as autumn arrives, autumn fruits are continuously brought to market in a wide variety. Because they are rich in nutrients, delicious in taste, and excellent for both food and medicine, everyone wants 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 cause illness. Everyone should not neglect this when "indulging their appetite."
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 carbohydrates and potassium salts. Excessive intake is not beneficial for heart and kidney health. People with coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, nephritis, or diabetes must avoid eating too many.
2. Pear: It has effects such as relieving cough, resolving phlegm, and clearing dryness, and is effective for treating cough, asthma, wind-heat, pharyngitis, etc. Because it is cold in nature, those with a weak spleen and stomach, clear drooling, or loose stools should be cautious eating it. Also, because of its high sugar content, overeating can raise blood sugar, so diabetics should eat it in moderation.
3. Citrus: It contains a large amount of carotene, which is converted into vitamin A after entering the bloodstream and accumulates in the body, causing the skin to turn yellow, leading to "carotenemia," commonly known as "orange jaundice." This is followed by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and general fatigue. After developing "orange jaundice," one should consume an appropriate amount of vegetable oil and drink plenty of water to accelerate its dissolution, conversion, and excretion.
4. Persimmon: It contains large amounts of vitamins A, C, and tannic acid, making it nutritious. It has effects such as lowering blood pressure and stopping bleeding, clearing heat and lubricating the intestines, moistening the lungs and promoting fluid production. However, it contains a large amount of persimmon gum and pectin. When it meets stomach acid, it condenses into a fibrous mass, known as a "bezoar," causing epigastric pain and indigestion. Also, 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 more easily leads to bezoar formation.
5. Pomegranate: It contains large amounts of fructose and various vitamins and minerals. It is sweet in taste and warm in nature, making it a damp-heat fruit. Pomegranate is effective for treating dysentery, rectal prolapse, and pharyngitis. However, those who are deficient in constitution or have yin deficiency and internal heat should eat it with caution. Those with early-stage diarrhea or damp-heat should not eat the fresh fruit either. Even for healthy people, it should not be eaten in excess, as it damages teeth and can cause loss of appetite.
6. Chestnut: It contains starch, protein, crude fiber, and various vitamins. It is sweet in taste and warm in nature, with a sweet, glutinous, and pleasant texture. It has the reputation of "king of a thousand fruits" and "woody grain." Chestnuts have the effects of replenishing qi and tonifying the kidneys, strengthening the spleen and nourishing the liver, and regulating the gastrointestinal tract. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is called the "kidney fruit" and is especially suitable for those with kidney disease. However, chestnuts are firm and difficult to digest when raw, and when cooked, they can easily cause qi stagnation and food accumulation, so one should not eat too many at once. It has an effect of securing the intestines and stopping diarrhea, so it is contraindicated for those with constipation, as it would worsen the symptoms.