Doctors Warn Against Five Fruits That May Harm Bones if Consumed in Excess
A Taiwanese bone specialist recommends kiwi, pineapple, mango, peaches, and tomatoes for bone health, while warning against excessive consumption of watermelon, lychee, longan, durian, and melon due to high sugar or fat content that may har
According to foreign media reports, a Taiwanese bone specialist has recommended "bone-healthy fruits" while cautioning that not all fruits are suitable for excessive consumption, particularly those high in sugar or fat, which may strain bones and joints.
Dr. Chang Yao-Yuan highlights kiwi as highly recommended due to its abundance of vitamins C and K, which support collagen production and calcium absorption, helping restore joints, tendons, and cartilage—especially beneficial for elderly individuals or those with degenerative joint disease.
Pineapple contains bromelain enzyme and manganese in high quantities, reducing inflammation and promoting connective tissue repair. It suits those with exercise-related muscle soreness or joint mobility problems.
For elderly people and those with low bone density, mango is an excellent choice, rich in antioxidants and multiple types of vitamin C that protect bone cells from oxidative damage and maintain bone metabolism.
Peaches are abundant in potassium and polyphenols, helping balance calcium and sodium levels and reducing bone mass loss risk—ideal for middle-aged women and those with mineral imbalance issues.
Tomatoes contain both lycopene and vitamin K, offering antioxidant effects and helping maintain bone density, suitable for those beginning to experience osteoporosis or those consuming few vegetables and fruits daily.
However, doctors emphasize that despite these fruits' high nutritional value, those with bone-related diseases should consult physicians and nutritionists for personalized dietary plans.
Warnings are issued against excessive consumption of certain fruits: watermelon, despite being refreshing with high water content, has relatively low overall nutritional value and may affect kidney function in calcium regulation if consumed excessively. Lychee and longan are high in sugar and energy, requiring diabetics and osteoporosis patients to limit intake. Durian and melon contain both high sugar and fat, potentially triggering inflammation—unsuitable for arthritis or osteoporosis patients.
Dr. Chang concludes that fruit consumption is not something to avoid; rather, balance and moderation are key. He recommends consuming one to two fruit varieties daily in rotation, eaten with meals or as snacks for optimal results.