The autumn season is the time when persimmons ripen. Persimmons have a unique taste and are rich in nutrients, making them a favorite fruit for many people. They are not only refreshing and thirst-quenching, but also have the ability to moisturize the lungs. Therefore, whether it is fresh persimmons or processed persimmon products, they are loved by many people. In addition, there is a popular belief that eating fruits can help with alcohol consumption. This leads to the question: can you drink alcohol after eating persimmons?
Can you drink alcohol after eating persimmons?
It is best not to drink alcohol when eating persimmons. This is because alcohol is hot in nature, while persimmons are cold in nature. The two are inherently incompatible. Moreover, when protein-containing foods in the stomach react with the tannins in persimmons, it forms coagulated substances, which increases the burden on the intestines and stomach. This makes digestion difficult and elimination even harder, posing greater harm to the body.
The harm of drinking alcohol after eating persimmons
Difficult digestion when drinking alcohol and eating persimmons
After consuming alcohol, most of the body's energy is focused on digesting the alcohol. People usually also consume other meat and vegetables while drinking. The tannins in persimmons react with proteins in the body, forming indigestible substances. This diverts the energy of the intestines, liver, and other organs towards eliminating the alcohol from the body. As a result, digestion and absorption of other substances in the intestines and stomach slows down, leading to indigestion and discomfort.
Intestinal obstruction caused by drinking alcohol and eating persimmons
When alcohol enters the body, it stimulates the secretion of gastric acid. If persimmons are eaten at this time, the substances in persimmons react with gastric acid, further aggravating the formation of undigested viscous substances. This can easily lead to the formation of gallstones and cause intestinal obstruction.
Burden on the intestines and stomach caused by drinking alcohol and eating persimmons
The tannins and other tannin substances in persimmons react with proteins in the stomach or some components of gastric juice, forming indigestible, insoluble precipitates. For people with poor digestion, this further burdens the intestines and stomach, impeding food digestion and absorption. It also increases the risk of acute gastric persimmon stones, causing severe adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting.
Things to note when eating persimmons
Foods that should not be eaten with persimmons
Sweet potatoes contain a large amount of starch, which can cause the stomach to produce a large amount of gastric acid. Persimmons, on the other hand, contain a large amount of tannins and pectin. If consumed together, they can coagulate and form insoluble and hard masses, known as gastric stones. Crabs contain abundant proteins, and when combined with the tannins in persimmons, they can easily precipitate and form indigestible substances.
People who should avoid eating persimmons
Persimmons have a high sugar content, which is detrimental to the treatment of diabetes and chronic gastric diseases. The tannins in persimmons can affect the absorption of iron, which is not beneficial for patients with iron-deficiency anemia. Persimmons are cold in nature and are not suitable for people with weak spleen and stomach, or those who are coughing and vomiting due to external cold. It is best for these patients to avoid eating persimmons. In addition, people with weak qi, multiple illnesses, recent recovery from illness, postpartum women, and those with excessive gastric acid should also avoid eating persimmons.