Autumn and winter are the seasons when pomelos ripen. Pomelos are not only large in size, but also have a refreshing and moderately sweet and sour taste. They are also very nutritious. There are many benefits to eating pomelos. They not only provide the body with essential nutrients, but also have a beautifying effect. So, let's take a look at the benefits of eating pomelos in winter.
Four Benefits of Eating Pomelos in Winter
Fade Spots and Firm Skin
Pomelos contain a large amount of vitamin C and carotene in both the flesh and peel. These nutrients help the skin resist the damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C also effectively reduces skin pigmentation and promotes the production of collagen, making the skin tighter and smoother. Therefore, eating pomelos in winter can have a great skincare effect.
Reduce Stroke Risk
Pomelos contain a type of flavonoid that enhances blood vessel function and has anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Eating pomelos in moderation in winter can protect our brain and effectively reduce the risk of stroke.
Improve Digestion
Pomelo peel contains volatile oils with a special fragrance, which can stimulate appetite. In addition, pomelos have a cool nature and a sweet and sour taste, which helps relieve heat and stimulate appetite. Eating pomelo flesh raw or drinking its juice can be used to treat symptoms such as thirst, restlessness due to deficient stomach yin, bloating, and poor appetite.
Aid Weight Loss
Pomelos contain a large amount of fiber, which makes people feel full easily. Moreover, pomelos are low in calories, so even if eaten in larger quantities, there is no need to worry about gaining weight. Additionally, the special amino acids in pomelos can reduce insulin secretion and inhibit the conversion of blood sugar into fat in the liver. The flavonoids and volatile oils in pomelos also have diuretic and laxative effects, helping to eliminate edema and promote bowel movement.
Different Varieties of Pomelos Have Different Effects
There are many varieties of pomelos, the most common being Shatian pomelos and honey pomelos, which are similar in nutritional composition but have their own characteristics.
Shatian Pomelos
1. Shatian pomelos are crisp and tender, with the highest vitamin C content. They can improve cell activity, enhance the body's disease resistance, and promote tissue regeneration due to their various nutrients. They also have a certain alleviating effect on septicemia and can increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood.
2. Shatian pomelos contain a natural substance similar to insulin. When absorbed by the body, this substance can significantly lower blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for diabetic patients.
3. Regular consumption of Shatian pomelos can help prevent hypertension and hyperlipidemia. They can also reduce platelet aggregation and effectively prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
4. Shatian pomelos contain some acidic components that promote the secretion of digestive juices, providing relief for indigestion and loss of appetite.
Honey Pomelos
Honey pomelos are large in size, with thin skin and soft flesh. They have a higher sugar content, with 9.17-11.6g of sugar per 100ml of juice. They have a moderately sweet and sour taste, and their vitamin C content is relatively lower compared to Shatian pomelos. Some honey pomelos have few or even no seeds.
1. Honey pomelos have the effect of enhancing physical fitness. They can help the body better absorb nutrients such as calcium and iron. Moreover, honey pomelos contain natural folic acid, and eating them in moderation during pregnancy can effectively prevent anemia and promote fetal development.
2. Honey pomelos contain natural trace element potassium but do not contain sodium. They are suitable for patients with cardiovascular and kidney diseases. The vitamin C in honey pomelos can help lower cholesterol levels, and the insulin-like component can lower blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for dietary therapy.
3. The natural pigments in honey pomelos have certain health benefits. Most of the trace elements such as flavonoids function as vitamin P, and beta-carotene and lycopene have antioxidant effects, helping to eliminate free radicals in the body.
Three Types of People Should Avoid Eating Pomelos in Winter
Avoid Eating Pomelos After Taking Birth Control Pills
Pomelos inhibit the metabolism of enzymes in the body, which affects the absorption and utilization of certain medications. Women who take birth control pills should avoid eating pomelos or drinking pomelo juice after taking the pills. Eating pomelos after taking birth control pills or directly taking birth control pills with pomelo juice hinders the absorption of the medication, rendering the birth control pills ineffective.
People with Cold Constitutions Should Avoid Eating Pomelos
Pomelos have a cooling nature, and people with weak spleens and diarrhea may experience diarrhea after eating them. Therefore, people with cold constitutions should not eat pomelos excessively. Some people claim that eating pomelos can reduce internal heat, but excessive consumption can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea and bloating, rather than reducing internal heat.
People with Hypertension Should Avoid Eating Pomelos
People with hypertension should not eat pomelos or drink pomelo juice while taking antihypertensive drugs. Eating pomelos while taking antihypertensive drugs is equivalent to taking an excessive amount of the medication, which can cause a significant drop in blood pressure and lead to reactions such as dizziness, nausea, palpitations, weakness, and even induce angina, myocardial infarction, or stroke.
