Pomelo is a popular autumn fruit, favored by many families for its sweet, tangy, refreshing, and juicy taste. Recently, the topic of "positive body changes when eating autumn pomelo" has gained significant attention on social media.

However, health experts caution that while pomelo offers numerous benefits, certain groups of people should limit their consumption, especially those currently taking medication.

Health benefits of pomelo

According to ancient texts by the renowned physician Li Shizhen of Trung Quoc, pomelo has a sweet and sour taste, a cooling nature, and is beneficial for the lungs and stomach. Pomelo segments aid digestion, help alleviate discomfort from alcohol consumption, and soothe intestinal and stomach issues. Pomelo peel is known to ease breathing, reduce chest tightness, and relieve feelings of annoyance and stress.

Associate Chief Physician Xu Jia from the Department of On-Demand Examination at Long Hoa Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, highlights several notable effects of pomelo:

It helps alleviate autumn dry throat: Pomelo soothes the throat, rehydrates, and reduces internal heat in the lungs and stomach. This can improve symptoms such as itchy, scratchy throat, dry cough with little phlegm, or feelings of fullness and indigestion after meals.

It is rich in vitamin C and low in calories: Every 100 g of pomelo flesh provides approximately 23-41 mg of vitamin C. It is also rich in potassium, low in sodium, does not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar, and contains abundant fiber. As a result, blood sugar rises slowly after consumption, promoting a feeling of fullness without taking in too many calories.

It prevents constipation: The generous amount of fiber stimulates regular intestinal contractions, supporting smooth digestive function and preventing constipation.

It promotes mental relaxation: The essential oils released from the pomelo peel when opened stimulate the olfactory system, affecting the brain's emotional control center, which helps to relax the mind and relieve pressure.

Drug interaction risk can last up to 72 hours

Few people are aware that pomelo can interact with many common medications. Doctor Xu Jia explains that furanocoumarin compounds in pomelo can reduce the activity of a metabolic enzyme in the body (CYP3A4 enzyme), which is responsible for processing nearly 50% of orally administered drugs today.

When this enzyme is inhibited, drugs are retained and eliminated more slowly, leading to an abnormally high accumulation of medication in the blood. This situation is similar to a patient accidentally overdosing, which can easily cause poisoning or dangerous side effects. This effect can last for up to 72 hours.

This means that taking medication in the morning and eating pomelo in the evening still carries potential risks. A 6-hour interval between the two is not considered safe enough.

Doctor Xu Jia notes that grapefruit contains higher amounts of furanocoumarin than common pomelo. People taking the following types of medications should not regularly consume grapefruit and should consult a doctor or pharmacist before eating other types of pomelo:

Statin-group lipid-lowering drugs.

Certain blood pressure medications (such as nifedipine, felodipine).

Sedatives, sleep aids (such as diazepam).

Anti-rejection drugs, immunosuppressants (such as tacrolimus).

Pain relievers (such as fentanyl).

Certain anti-allergy medications (such as loratadine, ebastine).

Clinical Pharmacist Tian Dan from the Department of Pharmacy at Zhongshan Hospital, affiliated with Fudan University, states that the risk level depends on the furanocoumarin content. Some varieties, such as Huyou pomelo or Shatianyou pomelo, have lower levels of this compound, and moderate consumption is generally safe, but eating too much still increases the risk.

If a patient accidentally eats pomelo while undergoing treatment, they should temporarily stop the affected medication for one to two days; for slow-eliminating drugs like statins, the discontinuation period may need to be longer. Before resuming medication, it is essential to consult a doctor or pharmacist, clearly stating the type and amount of pomelo consumed. Patients must never adjust their dosage independently. If symptoms such as dizziness or unusual muscle aches appear, seek immediate medical attention.

Eating pomelo regularly helps supplement vitamin C, promotes bowel movements, controls blood sugar, and effectively soothes the throat. Photo: Ha An

The "three no" rules for eating pomelo

Pomelo has a cooling nature, so consumers should be mindful of the following:

Do not eat on an empty stomach: The natural acids in pomelo can easily cause stomach rumbling, stomach pain, heartburn, or diarrhea. The most suitable time to eat pomelo is 30-60 minutes after a main meal to avoid irritating the stomach lining.

Do not eat an entire fruit at once: Healthy adults should only consume two to four segments per day, avoiding eating half or a whole fruit in a single sitting.

Do not eat chilled pomelo: During autumn, the digestive system can be sensitive, and overly cold pomelo segments may irritate the stomach and intestines.

Three groups of people who should limit pomelo consumption

People with weak digestive systems or a "cold stomach": Individuals who often feel cold, have cold hands and feet, and are prone to stomach pain or loose stools should not eat much pomelo, as its cooling properties will worsen their condition. This group should only try one to two segments; if they experience bloating or diarrhea, they should stop immediately. Those with stomach ulcers or excess acid should also limit consumption to avoid increasing heartburn and stomach discomfort. The elderly and young children with poor digestion should also reduce their intake and ensure all seeds are removed to prevent choking.

People with diabetes: Although pomelo does not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar, it still contains natural fruit sugars. Patients should only eat a few small segments when their blood sugar levels are stable and should reduce their intake of other fruits on the same day. Avoid eating pomelo when blood sugar is fluctuating, and absolutely do not consume sugary processed drinks like honey pomelo tea.

People with kidney failure and high blood potassium levels: Pomelo is rich in potassium, and consuming too much can place a significant burden on weakened kidneys. This group must consult and follow a doctor's guidance to control their appropriate intake.

My Y (According to Sohu)