When it comes to indispensable fruits during the Chinese New Year, we have to mention oranges. In this cold season, it is undoubtedly a great pleasure to enjoy a few oranges that exude a fresh aroma and are suitable for sweet and sour. However, despite the delicious taste of oranges, we should also take care to consume them in moderation. Excessive consumption of tangerines may cause the skin to turn slightly yellow, commonly known as "turning into a minion", which is actually caused by the excessive accumulation of carotene in oranges in the skin. Therefore, while enjoying the fruits of this season, we should also pay attention to our health and maintain the right amount.
Tangerine: A natural guardian of lung health
Oranges, an ordinary fruit that cannot be ignored, play an important role in lung health. It is rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that is essential for the protection of the respiratory system. Vitamin C provides additional support for people who are often exposed to air pollution or smog by reducing inflammation in the lungs. Studies have revealed a direct link between high intake of vitamin C and relief of asthma symptoms and a reduced risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In addition to this, the natural fiber in oranges is also good for the lungs. Fiber helps remove harmful substances from the respiratory tract and keeps the lungs clean, which is especially important for people who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke or live in areas with air pollution. Some studies have also found that regular consumption of a diet rich in citrus fruits may be associated with a lower risk of lung cancer. For example, a survey involving more than 60,000 participants showed that the incidence of lung cancer was relatively low among people who regularly consumed citrus fruits. This may be due to specific compounds in tangerine, such as naringenin and citrin, which inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Oranges are not only eaten as fruits, but also for lung health. For example, boiling orange peel water is an effective way to take advantage of its lung-clearing properties. The essential oils in orange peels are released when boiled, and they have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, helping to cleanse the respiratory tract and alleviate problems with cough and phlegm. Therefore, adding oranges to our daily diet is not only for the sake of deliciousness, but also to maintain our lung health.
Why do oranges turn yellow when you eat too much?
You may have heard the saying, "Eat in moderation, not in excess." One of the common examples is about oranges. Many people have heard that eating too many oranges can turn the skin yellow, but is this really true? In fact, oranges are rich in β-carotene. When you consume a lot of oranges, the β-carotene in the body may accumulate in the liver, because the liver is unable to fully convert it in time, resulting in an excessive amount of β-carotene in the blood. These unmetabolized β-carotene accumulate on the surface of the skin, causing yellowing of the skin.
The medical community has a technical term for this phenomenon called "carotenemia". This condition typically presents with a yellowing or orange discoloration of the skin, particularly around the palms, soles of the feet, nasolabial folds, and near the nostrils. However, it is important to note that the white part of the eye (sclera) and mucous membranes do not discolor, the discharge is normal, and the patient usually does not feel unwell. People often become aware of this change when they look in the mirror or are pointed out by others.
So, how should carotenemia be treated? Fortunately, it doesn't require specific treatment. By increasing your water intake, you can help your body get rid of excess β-carotene. At the same time, it is recommended to reduce the intake of foods rich in β-carotene in the diet, such as carrots, tomatoes, enokis, pumpkin and other fruits and vegetables rich in color. In general, after 4 to 6 weeks, the yellow color of the skin will gradually return to normal.
Also, it's worth mentioning that tangerines are an excellent source of vitamin C. Eating three oranges a day can meet the body's daily need for vitamin C. But excessive intake of vitamin C also has side effects. Increased metabolism of oxalic acid in the body may lead to an increased risk of urinary or kidney stones, and too much orange can also cause damage to the mouth and teeth.
These 4 types of people usually try to eat as little as possible, and it is recommended to understand them as early as possible
Effect on the body constitution prone to fire: Tangerine, a commonly loved fruit, is a warm fruit despite being nutritious. In particular, those who are prone to irritation, such as those with yin deficiency constitution, should limit their intake of oranges. Excessive consumption may lead to symptoms such as dry throat, stinging tongue, constipation, etc., which can exacerbate heat and dryness in the body.
Gastrointestinal Health Considerations: In addition, for people with weak gastrointestinal function, tangerines can become a burden on the stomach. It is high in calories, and excessive consumption may trigger inflammation related to the mouth and teeth. More seriously, it can lead to what is known as "orange disease", which manifests itself as yellowing of the skin.
Precautions for people with yin deficiency constitution: For people with yin deficiency constitution, the warm nature of oranges may exacerbate the heat in the body, resulting in dry throat, constipation, dry mouth and tongue and other problems. Therefore, such people should be cautious about consuming oranges.
Special care for the elderly and people with hyperglycemia: For the elderly, due to the gradual weakening of the body and the decline of the digestive system, the fruit acid of oranges may cause gastrointestinal upset. At the same time, the higher sugar content in oranges may also increase the burden on pancreatic islet cells, thereby increasing the risk of diabetes.