Is it okay to eat winter melon in winter?

　　When it comes to winter melon, many people think that it is a "special dish" for summer, which can clear away heat and relieve summer heat. But do you know? The cold winter is actually very suitable for eating winter melon. It not only helps digestion and promote defecation, but also helps protect the heart and improve beauty. Don’t think that winter melon can only be eaten in summer. Eating it in moderation in winter has many benefits for the body. It is especially suitable for people who are prone to getting angry, edema, or who want to control their weight.

Is it okay to eat winter melon in winter?

　　The answer is yes.

　　Although winter melon is slightly cold in nature, the climate is dry in winter and the indoor heating is sufficient, so people are prone to "heat" symptoms such as dry mouth, constipation, and internal heat. At this time, eating some winter melon in moderation can clear away heat, resolve phlegm, produce body fluids and quench thirst. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that winter melon is sweet and light in taste, enters the lungs and large intestine meridian, and has the effects of diuresis, swelling, clearing away heat and detoxification. It is very suitable for problems such as heavy moisture and slow metabolism caused by greasy diet and low activity in winter.

Benefits of eating winter melon

　　1. Clear away heat and moisturize, balance warmth and tonic

　　In winter, you often eat warm foods such as mutton and hot pot, which can easily cause internal fire. Winter melon is cold in nature and sweet in taste. It can clear away heat and promote fluid production, moisturize and reduce fire, and relieve discomforts such as dry mouth and constipation. Its high water content can replenish body moisture in dry environments in winter and balance the hot and dry properties of warming and nourishing ingredients.

　　2. Diuretic, reduce swelling, lighten the body and reduce fat

　　Winter melon is rich in dietary fiber and propylene glycol acid, which can promote intestinal peristalsis and reduce fat accumulation. It can also help discharge excess water from the body and relieve edema caused by sitting for a long time or taking supplements in winter. It has low calorie and low fat properties and is suitable for people who need to control their weight or lose fat in winter.

　　3. Supplement nutrition and enhance immunity

　　Winter melon is rich in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and other nutrients. Vitamin C can resist oxidation and improve resistance. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and maintain myocardial function. Moderate consumption in winter can supplement vitamins and minerals lacking in daily diet and provide gentle nourishment to the body.

How to eat winter melon

　　1. Winter Melon Pork Ribs Warm Soup

　　Blanch the pork ribs to remove the blood foam, put them into a casserole together with the cut winter melon, ginger slices, and green onions. Add enough water to bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour. Add salt and white pepper to taste. The soup is warm and fragrant. The winter melon absorbs the aroma of meat and is soft and glutinous. It is warm and not greasy. It is suitable for the whole family to drink in winter.

　　2. Stir-fried fungus with winter melon and shrimps

　　Slice the winter melon, marinate the shrimps in cooking wine for 10 minutes, soak the fungus and wash them. Heat the oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir-fry the shrimp until it changes color. Add the winter melon slices and fungus and stir-fry. Add a small amount of light soy sauce and salt to taste. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until the winter melon becomes soft. It is light and refreshing, retains the nutrients of the ingredients, and is suitable for relieving fatigue in winter.

　　3. Winter melon meatballs stew

　　Add chopped green onion, minced ginger, salt and starch to the pork stuffing, mix well, squeeze into small balls, blanch and set.； Cut the winter melon into cubes and put them in a casserole, add meatballs, wolfberry, and a small amount of bone broth, simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, and add salt to taste. It tastes fresh and tender and is easy to digest. It can supplement nutrition for the elderly and children. It can be eaten in winter to warm the body and nourish the stomach.

Things to note when eating winter melon

　　1. Eat with caution if you have a cold constitution

　　Winter melon is cold in nature, and those with cold constitution (who often suffer from symptoms such as chills, diarrhea, cold hands and feet) should eat less. If they eat it, they should be paired with warm ingredients such as ginger and red dates, or use stew or pot cooking methods to reduce cold stimulation and avoid aggravating the cold in the body.

　　2. Control the amount of food consumed

　　Winter melon has a high water content. Excessive consumption may cause bloating and diarrhea, especially for those with weak spleen and stomach. The daily consumption is recommended not to exceed 500 grams. When cooking, avoid being too light. You can mix it with a small amount of meat or fat to balance nutrition and digestion and absorption.

　　3. Taboo for special groups of people

　　Winter melon has a high potassium content. People with renal insufficiency need to control their consumption to avoid increasing the burden on the kidneys.； Winter melon is cool in nature, so women during menstruation should not consume it in excess to avoid affecting the smooth flow of Qi and blood and causing menstrual cramps or discomfort. It is recommended to eat it with warm ingredients.

　　When eating winter melon, it is recommended to boil it in soup or stir-fry it, such as winter melon pork ribs soup, stir-fried winter melon and shrimp skin, etc., which can not only retain nutrients, but also neutralize its cold nature and avoid gastrointestinal irritation. People with weak spleen and stomach who are prone to diarrhea should eat less or cook with warm ingredients such as ginger and onions to balance the cold.