Be Careful When Eating Fruits in Summer to Avoid "Fruit Sickness"
In the hot summer, cool fruits are a favorite. They not only help to relieve summer heat but are also nutritious. However, eating fruits also requires caution. Eating too much or in the wrong way can be detrimental to your health and may even trigger "fruit sickness."
Watermelon
Watermelon is cool in nature and sweet in taste, known for its effect of clearing heat and relieving summer heat.
Excessive consumption of watermelon can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to loss of appetite and indigestion. This is especially true for the elderly, whose digestive functions have weakened, as it can easily cause intestinal issues like loss of appetite and diarrhea. In particular, avoid eating too much watermelon straight from the refrigerator.
Peach
Peaches are warm in nature and can have the health benefits of replenishing qi, moistening the lungs, and promoting the production of body fluids.
Eating too many peaches can easily lead to "internal heat" (上火). People who are inherently "heaty" (热性体质) and have symptoms like a dry mouth, thirst, or a sore throat should eat peaches sparingly. Additionally, some people are allergic to the fuzz on peaches; you can soak them in salt water or scrub the skin with a brush before eating.
Lychee
Lychees are "heaty" in nature, and overindulging can easily lead to "internal heat."
Fresh lychees are very high in sugar. If you eat a large quantity of lychees and consume little else, it can easily trigger acute hypoglycemia, commonly known as "lychee sickness," with symptoms like dizziness, pale complexion, thirst, nausea, sweating, and palpitations. This is because lychees are rich in fructose, which causes a significant increase in fructose levels in the blood. The liver cannot convert it to glucose quickly enough, leading to a drop in blood sugar. If these symptoms appear, you should drink sugar water or eat sugar cubes promptly.
Mango
Mangoes are slightly cool in nature and are known as the "King of Tropical Fruits."
Elderly individuals, children, and those with weak qi or a weak spleen should be cautious and eat them in moderation. Some people may develop a full-body rash, vomiting, diarrhea, and other allergic reactions after eating mangoes. This is due to the "contact dermatitis" caused by the atypical proteins and proteases in the mango juice. It is best to cut the mango flesh into small pieces to eat directly. After eating, rinse your mouth and wash your face to prevent any juice residue.
Pineapple
Pineapples are tropical fruits, neutral in nature and sweet in taste, and are rich in Vitamin C.
Pineapples contain a special enzyme called bromelain, which can increase the permeability of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Therefore, some people with allergies may experience abdominal pain, flushed skin, itching, nausea, palpitations, headaches, or even shock after eating. Never eat pineapple on an empty stomach. Before eating, cut the pineapple into slices and soak them in light salt water for about 20 minutes to destroy the bromelain and reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Cherry
Cherries are warm in nature. They are loved by many women for their delicious taste, delicate appearance, and rich nutritional value.
Although cherries are sweet and sour, they should not be eaten in excess, as this can easily lead to "internal heat" and mouth ulcers. People with "heaty" illnesses or a cough due to "deficiency heat" should eat them with caution.