During the winter season, the weather is cold and dry. This is also a high-risk period for stomach problems, so friends with weak stomachs should pay attention. Having a poor stomach in winter not only affects your appetite and enjoyment of food, but it also affects your overall well-being. So what should you eat to take care of your stomach in winter? Let's take a look!
What to eat to take care of your stomach if it's not good
1. Papaya
Papaya contains papaya enzyme, which helps to break down and accelerate protein absorption. It can relieve indigestion and gastritis. Papaya is also a good food for invigorating the spleen and stomach and treating stomach pain. Papaya is cooling in nature, so it is not recommended to eat on an empty stomach. Especially for those with a cold stomach or weak constitution, it is not advisable to eat too much as it may cause diarrhea. Papaya is mainly produced in the southern regions and can be eaten raw or stewed with vegetables and meat.
2. Pomegranate
In traditional Chinese medicine, sweet-tasting pomegranate is believed to have the effect of generating body fluids and relieving thirst. Sour-tasting pomegranate can treat abdominal pain and diarrhea. In addition, pomegranate contains tannic acid, vitamin C, citric acid, malic acid, and other substances that aid digestion and lower blood lipid levels, making it effective in regulating the intestines and stomach. Pomegranate seeds are not easily digested, so people with weak stomachs can chew on the seeds and then spit them out.
3. Longan
Li Shizhen once said, "Litchi is beautiful as a food, but longan is beneficial as a supplement." Unlike litchi, which is hot and humid in nature, longan can be used medicinally and has various effects such as tonifying yang, invigorating qi, warming the stomach, and nourishing the spleen. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to treat insomnia, forgetfulness, palpitations, dizziness, and other symptoms caused by heart and spleen deficiency and insufficient qi and blood.
4. Pineapple
Pineapple has a sweet and mild taste and has the functions of invigorating the stomach and aiding digestion, tonifying the spleen and stopping diarrhea, and clearing the stomach and quenching thirst. Every 100 grams of pineapple contains as much as 30 milligrams of vitamin C, as well as abundant water content, which is beneficial for patients with nephritis and hypertension. The flesh of pineapple, like papaya, contains an enzyme that can break down proteins, making it soft and effective in dissolving blood clots. However, excessive consumption of pineapple is harmful to the stomach and intestines.
5. Cherries
Experts point out that cherries are rich in nutrients, especially iron, which is more than 20 times higher than that of oranges, pears, and apples, making it the top fruit in terms of iron content. Cherries have a warm nature and a slightly sour taste, and they have the effects of tonifying the middle energizer, improving complexion, invigorating the spleen, and stimulating appetite. However, cherries are considered "hot" in nature, so they should not be consumed in excess. People with a yin deficiency and excessive internal heat should avoid or limit their consumption.
6. Mango
In traditional Chinese medicine, mango is considered to have a sweet and sour taste, a cool nature, and no toxicity. It has the effects of clearing heat, generating body fluids, relieving thirst, benefiting the stomach, and stopping vomiting. Mango is especially suitable for conditions such as yin deficiency of the stomach, thirst, dry throat, weak stomach qi, and dizziness. Mango is very high in sugar and vitamins, especially vitamin A, which has a beneficial effect on vision.
Fruits that should be avoided if you have a weak stomach
1. Persimmon
Persimmons are not only delicious but also nutritious. However, they also have their drawbacks, and eating too many persimmons can be harmful. Persimmons contain a certain amount of tannins, with higher levels in the skin. Eating persimmons can make your mouth feel dry and your tongue numb due to the astringent effect of tannins. Tannins have a strong astringent effect and can combine with stomach acid in the stomach, coagulating into lumps.
2. Hawthorn
Hawthorn is sour and sweet, and it has the effect of promoting digestion and dissolving food stagnation. It is one of the best fruits for improving appetite. However, eating too much hawthorn is harmful. Ancient medical records state, "Hawthorn breaks qi, so it should not be eaten in large quantities. Eating too much can deplete qi and damage teeth." Hawthorn contains high levels of pectin and tannic acid. When it comes into contact with stomach acid, it can easily form insoluble precipitates that adhere to food residues, forming gastric stones. These gastric stones can cause gastric ulcers, gastric bleeding, and even necrosis and perforation of the stomach. However, cooking hawthorn can reduce the impact of tannic acid.
