Thanks to modern logistics, we now have easy access to a wide variety of fruits from around the world, available year-round. While fruits are rich in nutrients and beneficial to our health, certain misconceptions and improper ways of consuming them can have negative effects.

Misconception 1: Do Persimmons Cause Cancer?

Persimmons are a favorite fall and winter fruit, valued for their bright color and sweet flavor. However, there are claims online suggesting that persimmons can cause stomach stones, intestinal blockages, or even cancer. These claims lack scientific evidence.

In reality, persimmons are rich in dietary fiber and amino acids, and moderate consumption is beneficial for digestive health and the skin. The potential digestive issues are more about how persimmons are eaten. Eating persimmons on an empty stomach can cause the tannins to react with stomach acid, forming hard-to-digest clumps that may lead to stomach discomfort. Therefore, it’s best to enjoy persimmons in moderation after meals and avoid eating them on an empty stomach. One persimmon per day is generally a suitable amount.

Another common myth is that the white powder on dried persimmons contains carcinogens. In fact, this “frost” is a natural sugar crystal that forms during drying and is perfectly safe. However, some unscrupulous vendors may use low-quality ingredients during processing, so it's important to buy from reputable brands.

Misconception 2: Is Waxed Apple Skin Harmful?

Many people notice a waxy coating on the skin and worry that it could be harmful or even carcinogenic.

In fact, the wax on apples comes from two sources: some is naturally produced by the fruit itself, while the rest may be a food-grade wax, such as carnauba wax, which is approved for use and poses no health risk. This wax coating helps reduce moisture loss and keeps the apple fresh for longer.

If you're still concerned, you can scrub apples with salt water to remove some of the wax. Also, since the skin is rich in fiber and nutrients, keeping it on can offer added health benefits.

Misconception 3: Are Ripened Bananas Unsafe?

Some people worry that artificially ripened bananas contain harmful chemicals like ethephon (ethrel). In reality, ethrel is a plant growth regulator widely used in agriculture, and when used within regulated limits, it is considered safe.

Bananas naturally produce ethylene gas as they ripen, so using ethylene to speed up the ripening process does not pose a health risk. There are strict national standards for ethrel usage to ensure residue levels remain within safe limits. So, store-ripened bananas are safe to eat and nothing to be concerned about.

Tips for Eating Fruit the Healthy Way：

1. Watch Your Portion Size

While fruits are healthy, overconsumption can lead to excess sugar and fiber intake, which may cause digestive issues or weight gain. Research suggests around 200 grams of fruit per day is appropriate—roughly one medium apple or two to three small oranges.

2. Pay Attention to Timing

The best time to eat fruit is in the morning or around midday, when digestion is more active. Avoid eating fruit on an empty stomach, as the sugars and acids may irritate your digestive system. It’s also not ideal to eat fruit immediately after a meal, as it can add to your digestive load.

3. Be Aware of Freshness

Spoiled fruits often harbor harmful bacteria and toxins. Even if only part of the fruit appears rotten, the rest may already be contaminated. Eating spoiled fruit can lead to gastroenteritis, bacterial infections, and even an increased risk of stomach cancer. It’s best to avoid any fruit that looks or smells off.

4. Avoid Certain Known Carcinogenic Fruits

The World Health Organization has labeled betel nut as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is known to cause cancer in humans.It contains arecoline, a neurotoxin that, with long-term consumption, increases the risk of oral and esophageal cancers. Another fruit to be cautious about is red-fleshed sugarcane that has been frozen—cold damage can cause it to produce 3-nitropropionic acid, a toxic compound that can lead to poisoning and even be life-threatening. To stay safe, avoid eating betel nuts and sugarcane that has been exposed to freezing temperatures.

Conclusion

Fruits are an essential part of a healthy diet, offering valuable nutrients and health benefits. However, it’s important to choose fresh, properly handled fruits, avoid spoiled or frost-damaged varieties, and eat them in moderation and at the right time.