Consumption of oranges, mandarins, and other citrus fruits during the winter period may negatively affect the immune system and cause health problems.
Australian dietitian Karl-Heinz Wagner conducted research based on the principles of ancient Chinese medicine and concluded that the consumption of citrus fruits in cold weather reduces the body's immune defense. This occurs due to the cooling effect of these fruits, which takes away the energy needed to maintain immunity. Wagner confirmed the recommendations that traditional Chinese medicine has expressed for centuries.
The specialist recommends replacing citrus fruits with frozen fruits and vegetables, as well as incorporating spices such as cumin, ginger, bay leaves, and others into the diet.
However, the research results cast doubt on the effectiveness of vitamin C as a remedy for colds. It may only slightly shorten the duration of illness in some people and marginally strengthen the immune system under stress conditions for the body.
Nevertheless, vitamin C remains important for the human body as it protects cells from free radicals. Thus, completely excluding citrus fruits from the winter diet is not advisable, especially in conditions of fresh fruit and vegetable shortages. Additionally, they contain many secondary plant substances, such as carotenoids, which are also necessary for health.
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