As the scorching summer approaches, temperatures rise steadily, driving people to seek ways to alleviate the heatwave. Among the many cooling options, many people might not realize that certain “bitter” foods can also be excellent means for beating the heat. They not only clear heat and cool the blood but also help dispel the summer’s warmth, bringing us a refreshing coolness.
Let’s delve deeper into these “bitter” foods with miraculous effects through the story of Xiao Li. Xiao Li is particularly sensitive to extreme heat, and the summer always makes him feel excessively irritable and prone to anger. Last summer, he sought medical advice due to the unrelenting high temperatures. In addition to reminding him of heat prevention measures, the doctor also advised him to regulate his body through diet. Thus, the doctor introduced him to four beneficial “bitter” foods.
First, bitter melon, endowed with the magical properties of clearing heat and detoxifying, nourishing the blood, and benefiting the liver, is especially suitable for consumption in the hot summer. Next, bitter chrysanthemum not only clears heat and reduces inflammation, but its antibacterial and antipyretic abilities also assist in defending against ailments like pharyngitis and colds. Dandelion, a plant that can be eaten as a vegetable and also clears heat and detoxifies, reduces swelling and disperses clumps, should not be overlooked. The last recommendation is chicory, its abundance of vitamins and minerals has a noticeable effect on clearing heat, detoxifying, cooling the blood, and stopping bleeding.
Following the doctor’s guidance, Xiao Li began to incorporate these bitter foods into his daily diet. He was pleasantly surprised to find that not only was his irritability significantly relieved, but he also became more energetic.
It’s easy to get “heaty” in the summer, and the accumulation of internal heat caused by high temperatures often leads to symptoms such as dry mouth, parched throat, and sore throat. Increasing the intake of “bitter” foods can effectively help us clear heat and cool the blood, remove excess heat from the body, thus allowing us to enjoy a cool and comfortable summer at ease.
In addition to the foods mentioned in the case study, others such as bitter tea and coptis are also ideal choices for the summer. The bitter compounds contained in these foods, such as momordicoside in bitter melon and berberine in coptis, are natural coolants that can effectively alleviate the discomfort common in summer.
Despite the significant benefits of bitter foods in summer, excessive consumption can still cause side effects. For example, the oxalic acid in bitter melon may hinder calcium absorption if consumed in excess, and the cold nature of coptis can cause spleen and stomach weaknesses if taken too much. Therefore, when enjoying these foods, it is important to maintain an appropriate amount and avoid the adverse consequences caused by overeating.
Particularly, for certain groups of people, including pregnant women and children, it is necessary to give special consideration to the intake quantity and types of “bitter” foods. Pregnant women should avoid cold foods and medicines during pregnancy, while children should carefully consider the balance between the taste of food and nutrition.
In such a hot summer, we can optimize our physical condition through a reasonable diet. Properly consuming some “bitter” foods not only helps us cool down and drive away the summer heat but also lets us experience a unique sense of freshness and comfort in the fierce summer. Of course, while enjoying the taste, we should also pay attention to the amount and type of food intake to ensure a healthy summer.
Although bitter foods are greatly beneficial to our health, we should still consume them in moderation. In the hot summer season, it’s hard to resist the temptation of delicious food, but we should also maintain an awareness of our health and dietary balance while enjoying the flavors.
Undoubtedly, health is the most precious asset in our lives. In today’s rapidly evolving society, the taste pleasures brought by gourmet food can be overwhelming, yet paying attention and maintaining our health is equally important. Therefore, we should seek a scientific way of eating that not only satisfies our palate but also ensures our health.
Let’s work together to ensure that, in every vibrant summer day, we have a healthy physique and a happy mood!
