The breakfast habits of modern people are becoming increasingly westernized. While a glass of fresh orange juice may seem like a healthy breakfast choice, many health-conscious individuals opt for fruits and vegetables as their morning meal. This differs greatly from the traditional breakfast of hot dishes and Chinese dietary habits, which tend to avoid fruit consumption on an empty stomach. This raises the question: is starting the day with fruit really a good idea?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is not
recommended to eat fruit on an empty stomach in the morning. Breakfast should
consist of hot foods to protect the stomach Qi, as the body's muscles and blood
vessels are in a contracted state from the cold overnight. In the morning, when
the body's organs are just waking up from sleep, consuming cold foods can cause
organ contractions and poor blood flow, potentially affecting nutrient
absorption and lowering the body's immune system. Therefore, it is advised to
start the day with hot congee, hot soy milk, or other warm foods to avoid
compromising the digestive system. Additionally, as most fruits are classified
as "cooling" in the dietary principles of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, it is suggested to avoid consuming cooling foods such as fruit or
energy soups on an empty stomach in the morning to prevent potential digestive
issues.
From a perspective of detoxing and maintaining good health, eating fruit on an empty stomach is beneficial for cleansing the intestines, contrary to traditional Chinese medicine beliefs. The folds in the digestive tract may lead to the accumulation of food residue, but the rich dietary fiber in fruit can stimulate intestinal peristalsis and act as a brush to cleanse the intestinal walls of residual food waste. In the morning, most of the food in the digestive tract has been digested, making it the perfect time for the dietary fiber to effectively remove harmful substances and residues from the intestinal walls.
Additionally, eating fruit alone in the morning is a healthy choice as fruit is rich in digestive enzymes, which are easily absorbed and digested without causing a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. The carbohydrates in fruit also provide energy needed for the morning, without requiring a longer digestion time like protein or fat-based foods, making it a high-quality and light breakfast option.
However, from a modern nutritional perspective, while fruit is recognized for its positive effects on health due to its rich dietary fiber and antioxidant nutrients, it is recommended to also include foods containing sufficient amounts of protein and fat such as soy milk, nuts, and milk, to provide a balanced nutrition to support normal body function.
It is important to note that the effects of food on the body
vary from person to person, and those who experience discomfort from eating
fruit on an empty stomach should consider following ancestral wisdom by
starting the day with warm foods, and avoiding cool fruits to protect the
health of the digestive system.
