Women often worry about how their diet might affect their lives during menstruation. However, as long as we know what foods are suitable and which are not, we can effectively safeguard our health. Cold beverages, coffee, and alcohol are strictly off-limits during menstruation, and even fruit consumption requires consideration. Which fruits are acceptable and which are not? Below, we'll provide a detailed explanation.
Fruits have distinct "natures," and cold-natured fruits are indeed less suitable during menstruation. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that blood flows smoothly with warmth but stagnates with cold. Consuming raw or cold foods during menstruation can hinder digestion and weaken the body's yang energy, leading to internal cold. This cold stagnation impedes blood flow, potentially causing scanty menstruation or even dysmenorrhea.
Cold-natured fruits must be avoided, with watermelon being the quintessential example. While watermelon contains abundant water, amino acids, and sugars that help clear heat, relieve summer heat, and quench thirst, its cold and slippery nature—earning it the nickname "cold melon"—means even healthy individuals should consume it in moderation. Women during menstruation should be especially cautious. Other fruits in the same category include muskmelon (cantaloupe),pomelo, persimmon, kiwi, star fruit, mulberry, banana, mango, pear, tangerine, luo han guo, and strawberry. While completely banning these cooling fruits isn't advisable, moderate consumption in small amounts poses no significant harm.Lychee features translucent flesh with a sweet-tart flavor, rich in vitamin C and protein. It replenishes energy and boosts immunity, long regarded as a precious tonic. Beyond lychee, kumquats, pomegranates, bayberries, peaches, cherries, honey tangerines, oranges, plums, and papayas also fall under warm-natured fruits. When considering fruit choices during menstruation, remember these options.
You may also choose "neutral" fruits. Another category is "neutral," with apples being a prime example. Apples are neutral in nature with a sour taste, containing tannic acid, organic acids, pectin, and fiber. They are packed with nutrients like cellulose, minerals, fats, sugars, carotene, potassium, and zinc. They help alleviate diarrhea and constipation, making them highly effective against common menstrual constipation.Other neutral fruits include lemons, dates, sour plums, longans, grapes, figs, coconuts, pineapples, and olives.
Menstrual period recommendations:
Avoid raw, cold, or chilled foods during menstruation. While fruits are permissible, consume them sparingly to prevent excessive intake. Eating until your stomach feels cold is inadvisable. Occasionally, following fruit consumption with warm tea may help.
Most common fruits are acceptable, but moderation is key. Avoid overly cooling options like pears and persimmons; these may be consumed in moderation after menstruation.