Which fruits can help with digestion?
To better nourish the stomach and improve digestive capacity in daily life, it is important to maintain regularity in daily routines, going to bed and eating meals on time, which is beneficial for the stomach. The most crucial aspect of daily life is to eat regularly, avoiding overeating and eating too much at each meal. It is recommended to eat foods that are easy to digest and relatively soft, such as noodles, porridge, and other similar foods. Additionally, fruits that help with digestion can also be consumed regularly. Which fruits can aid in digestion? Here are some examples:
Papaya contains papain, which helps break down and accelerate protein absorption, relieving indigestion and gastritis. Papaya is also a good food for strengthening the spleen and stomach and treating stomach pain. However, papaya is slightly cold in nature and is not recommended to be consumed on an empty stomach. Those with a weak stomach or cold constitution should not consume it excessively, as it may lead to diarrhea. Papaya, which is mostly produced in the south, can be eaten raw or cooked with vegetables and meat.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, pomegranate with a sweet taste has the effect of promoting saliva secretion and moisturizing the body, while pomegranate with a sour taste can treat abdominal pain and diarrhea. Additionally, pomegranate contains tannic acid, vitamin C, citric acid, malic acid, and other substances that aid in digestion and lower blood lipids, having a certain effect on regulating the gastrointestinal system. The seeds of pomegranate are not easily digested, so people with poor gastrointestinal function can chew them and spit them out.
Li Shizhen, a famous Chinese medical scientist, once said, "Among foods, lychee is considered the most delicious, while longan is superior in terms of nourishment." Unlike lychee, which has a damp-heat nature, longan can be used in medicine and has various effects such as strengthening yang, invigorating qi, warming the stomach, and nourishing the spleen. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to treat insomnia, forgetfulness, palpitations, and dizziness caused by deficiency of the heart and spleen, as well as insufficient qi and blood.
Pineapple has a sweet and mild taste, and it has the functions of strengthening the stomach and promoting digestion, nourishing the spleen and stopping diarrhea, clearing the stomach, and quenching thirst. Each 100 grams of pineapple fruit contains up to 30 milligrams of vitamin C and is rich in water, making it beneficial for patients with nephritis and hypertension. Like papaya, its flesh contains an enzyme that can break down proteins, which can soften meat and dissolve blood clots. However, excessive consumption of pineapple can be harmful to the gastrointestinal tract, so it should not be eaten in excess.
Experts point out that cherries are rich in nutrients, especially iron, which exceeds oranges, pears, and apples by more than 20 times, ranking first among fruits. Cherries have a warm nature, a sweet and slightly sour taste, and have the effects of tonifying the middle qi, regulating the complexion, strengthening the spleen, and stimulating the appetite. It should be noted that cherries have a fiery nature and should not be consumed excessively, especially for those with a yin deficiency and excessive internal heat.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, mango has a sweet and sour taste, a cool nature, and is non-toxic. It has the effects of clearing heat, promoting the production of saliva, quenching thirst, promoting urination, nourishing the stomach, and relieving nausea. Mango is especially suitable for conditions such as insufficient stomach yin, dry mouth and throat, weak stomach qi, vomiting, and dizziness. Mango contains a high amount of sugars and vitamins, especially vitamin A, which is the highest among fruits, and also has the effect of improving vision.