Oranges are now in season, but many people are afraid to eat too many of them, believing that eating too many will cause "internal heat" (shanghuo). Experts point out that the recent increase in patients with mouth ulcers is not entirely the fault of oranges.
Relevant experts explain that oranges are warm-natured and belong to the category of "hot" fruits, but the cause of "internal heat" is not the fruit itself. People with a constitution of "internal heat" are prone to it to begin with. If they are fatigued and their immunity is low, eating oranges can often add fuel to the fire. Especially, some people eat fried snacks before consuming oranges. These snacks can deplete saliva, leading to a dry oral environment. Coupled with insufficient water intake, excessive talking, staying up late, and dry weather, the combination of internal heat and external dryness can easily trigger mouth ulcers.
Experts state that oranges have medicinal effects such as moistening the lungs, relieving coughs, reducing phlegm, strengthening the spleen, regulating qi, and quenching thirst. They are an excellent fruit for men, women, and the young and old, especially for the elderly, and those with acute or chronic bronchitis and cardiovascular diseases.
People with a cold stomach, who feel cold in winter, suffer from anemia, or have heavy menstrual periods can eat oranges. They are particularly beneficial for elderly patients on long-term antihypertensive medication as they help supplement potassium. However, those with excessive internal heat, fever, infectious diseases, and menopausal women should try to eat them in moderation.