Many people believe that eating a moderate amount of fruit for breakfast is beneficial for replenishing energy, especially fruits like oranges that are rich in vitamin C. Oranges are indeed nutritious, with the ability to quench thirst, stimulate appetite, relieve gas, and even help with hangovers. However, is it good to eat oranges on an empty stomach in the morning?
Nutritional Benefits of Oranges:
Oranges are deliciously sweet and rich in nutrients. They contain ample amounts of vitamin C, B vitamins, and niacin, which can help moisturize the body, alleviate coughs, promote urination and digestion, and even moisten the lungs and dissolve phlegm. Vitamin C and vitamin P in oranges can help increase the body's resistance and enhance the elasticity of capillaries. The fiber and pectin in oranges can promote gastrointestinal motility, aid in bowel movements, and help eliminate harmful substances from the body.
Benefits of Eating Oranges:
1. Cancer Prevention: Oranges can provide a large amount of vitamin C, which enhances the body's immune system and helps eliminate harmful free radicals in the body, thus inhibiting the growth of tumor cells. Oranges also contain a large amount of flavonoids and carotenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, vascular reinforcement, and anticoagulant effects. These components contribute to the prevention of various types of cancer.
2. Weight Loss: Oranges are rich in vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, carotenoids, citric acid, and other substances. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice to replace a full meal or other sweet treats. People who have a sweet tooth but worry about gaining weight can satisfy their craving by eating oranges. Additionally, the fiber in oranges helps with bowel movements and reduces the accumulation of toxins in the body.
3. Lowering Blood Lipids: Oranges have a sour and cool nature. They contain vitamin A, B, C, D, citric acid, malic acid, pectin, and other components. Vitamin P and C can enhance the toughness of capillaries, while pectin helps the body quickly excrete fats and cholesterol, reducing the absorption of exogenous cholesterol. Therefore, oranges have the ability to lower blood lipids.
Is it Good to Eat Oranges on an Empty Stomach in the Morning?
It is not advisable to eat oranges on an empty stomach in the morning. After a night of rest, the functions of the stomach and intestines are still in the recovery stage. Oranges contain a large amount of organic acids and sugars, which can easily increase gastric acid secretion and irritate the gastric mucosa, causing discomfort in the stomach and intestines. This is especially true for people with poor digestion.
When is the Best Time to Eat Oranges?
The best time to eat oranges is after a meal or in the morning. Oranges are deliciously sweet and can aid in digestion and absorption when consumed after a meal. They can also help relieve greasiness, aid in digestion, relieve indigestion, and quench thirst.
Precautions for Eating Oranges:
1. Do not eat too many oranges at once. Excessive consumption of oranges, which have a warm nature, can lead to excessive internal heat. People with yin deficiency and yang excess should especially avoid eating too many oranges, as it can lead to symptoms such as mouth ulcers, dry mouth, sore throat, and constipation. Even for people with good health, eating too many oranges at once can lead to excessive internal heat, causing conditions such as oral ulcers, periodontal disease, and even yellowing of the skin.
2. Oranges should not be consumed together with milk. The citric acid and vitamin C in oranges can react with the protein in milk, causing it to coagulate and affecting digestion and absorption. This can lead to symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking milk within an hour before or after eating oranges.
3. Oranges should not be eaten together with radishes. Radishes can produce a substance called thiocyanate in the human body, which quickly metabolizes into a substance that suppresses the thyroid gland called thiocyanate acid. When this substance encounters flavonoids in oranges, the flavonoids will quickly break down and convert into hydroxybenzoic acid and ferulic acid. These two substances enhance the inhibitory effect of thiocyanic acid on the thyroid gland, which may induce or cause thyroid enlargement.
4. Fresh orange peel should not be used to make tea as it may contain residual preservatives. While these chemical agents generally do not affect the orange pulp, they are difficult to wash off from the orange peel. If the peel is used to make tea, it can be detrimental to health.
In conclusion, oranges are nutritious and have many health benefits. However, it is important to consume them in moderation and be mindful of any potential contraindications. It is best to eat oranges after a meal or in the morning, rather than on an empty stomach in the morning.
