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Feeling Bloated After Eating Mooncakes? Expert Reveals This Fruit is a Starch Buster

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Nutritionist Hsu Chiung-yue suggests eating mangoes can help alleviate bloating and aid digestion after consuming glutinous rice, common in mooncakes.
  • Mangoes contain alpha and beta amylase enzymes that break down complex starches, and organic acids that stimulate digestion.
  • She advises eating mangoes in moderation after meals, especially for those with acid reflux, to avoid excessive calorie intake and discomfort.

For those experiencing digestive discomfort and bloating after indulging in mooncakes, a popular treat often made with glutinous rice, a nutritionist offers a simple, natural remedy: mangoes.

When these two enzymes in mango meet glutinous rice, it's like using scissors to cut large starch molecules into smaller pieces, effectively accelerating decomposition.

— Hsu Chiung-yueExplaining how mango enzymes break down starches in glutinous rice.

Nutritionist Hsu Chiung-yue explains that while pineapple and papaya are known for their protein-digesting enzymes, mangoes possess starch-digesting enzymes. Mangoes are rich in alpha and beta amylase, which are effective in breaking down the complex, branched-chain starches found in glutinous rice. "When these two enzymes in mango meet glutinous rice, it's like using scissors to cut large starch molecules into smaller pieces, effectively accelerating decomposition," Hsu stated.

In addition to their enzymatic properties, mangoes contain organic acids that help stimulate stomach acid secretion and promote intestinal motility. This aids in gastric emptying, naturally reducing the likelihood of bloating and discomfort. Hsu recommends consuming about half a mango or a small bowl as a dessert after a meal, particularly after eating mooncakes.

Mangoes contain rich alpha and beta amylase, and glutinous rice is a very tightly structured branched starch, which is very difficult to digest.

— Hsu Chiung-yueDetailing the enzymatic action of mangoes on glutinous rice.

However, Hsu cautions against overconsumption, as mangoes are also high in sugar and calories. She advises moderation, suggesting that eating too many mangoes to digest one mooncake could lead to excessive calorie intake. Individuals prone to severe acid reflux should also be mindful of their intake and avoid eating mangoes on an empty stomach. By following these guidelines, consumers can enjoy the digestive benefits of mangoes without compromising their health goals.

Although it can help with digestion, mangoes themselves also have sweetness, so don't eat 3 mangoes to digest one mooncake.

— Hsu Chiung-yueAdvising on moderation due to the sugar content of mangoes.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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