19/10/2024

Eating fruits like this has become a -good medicine- for health in autumn!

By szjpkitchen.com

The saying “Eat fruits in the autumn” holds a lot of wisdom, and there are solid reasons behind it. Fruits not only help replenish moisture and alleviate dryness, but they also provide essential nutrients, support digestion, and boost energy levels, all contributing to our overall health. Recently, an online user expressed concern about experiencing stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea every time he consumed cold fruits. His family suggested cooking the fruits instead, believing it would quench thirst, nourish the stomach, and aid in digestion and absorption.

But is there any truth to this? Does cooking fruits lead to a loss of nutrients?

Cooking fruits can indeed offer certain benefits. When fruits are cooked, their texture softens, making them easier to chew and digest. This can potentially minimize the risk of allergies and stomach discomfort. Additionally, cooking can help disinfect the fruits, eliminating any harmful pathogens that might linger on those that weren’t washed thoroughly. For individuals with digestive issues, a softer texture may ease the burden on their digestive systems, helping to alleviate symptoms like diarrhea.

While it’s true that some nutrients can diminish during cooking, the overall nutritional value often remains intact. If you’re concerned about losing specific vitamins, consider compensating by increasing your vegetable intake.

As autumn approaches—a time when digestive discomforts often emerge—why not try a soothing fruit remedy to ease thirst and support your digestive health? A delicious option is Apple and Lime Plum Tea. Simply simmer two apples, two slices of lime, two plums, and 10 grams of astragalus in enough water for 10 to 15 minutes. This comforting brew can nourish your body and quench your thirst.

If that sounds a bit complex, there’s a simpler approach: just choose one or two fruits, chop them after washing thoroughly, and then either steep them in hot water or steam them.

Fruits that are particularly well-suited for cooking include those with hard textures and lower levels of vitamin C and other nutrients, such as apples, oranges, yellow peaches, pears, hawthorns, grapes, apricots, loquats, cherries, pineapples, and mangoes. On the other hand, berries like kiwi, blueberries, and mulberries are best enjoyed raw, as they don’t withstand heat well.

Steaming certain fruits can also be beneficial, reducing their cold properties and offering health advantages. In fact, steaming tends to preserve nutrients better than boiling, making it an excellent cooking technique.

For example:
1. Steamed Pears can help clear heat and moisten the lungs, especially beneficial in dry weather.
2. Steamed Apples can stop diarrhea due to their mild, warming properties.
3. Steamed Red Dates are great for individuals with sensitive digestive systems.
4. Salt-Steamed Oranges can provide cough relief through certain compounds released during cooking.
5. Steamed Hawthorn may stimulate digestion and circulation, while Steamed Grapefruit can help reduce internal heat.

Remember, keeping the skin on many fruits while cooking is essential, as it helps mitigate nutrient loss.

If you’re seeking a healthy tip, consider that cooked fruits offer milder flavors and are easier to digest, making them ideal for those with digestive issues or the elderly. Give the Apple and Lime Plum Tea or simple steamed fruits a try to enhance your health this fall!