In the Dog Days of Summer, the hottest period of the season, temperatures soar, metabolism speeds up, leading to increased sweating and loss of body fluids and nutrients correspondingly. During such a season, proper dietary adjustment is particularly important. Based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine health preservation, combined with modern nutritional science, we recommend consuming more “three melons” and fewer “two fruits” after entering the midsummer season to help regulate bodily functions and enhance leg strength.
1. Consume more “three melons”
1. Winter Melon
Winter melon is a seasonal vegetable in summer that has the effects of heat-clearing, diuresis, and reducing swelling. It is rich in vitamin C and potassium, effectively replenishing the body’s lost fluids and electrolytes in hot weather, maintaining internal balance. The tender and sweet flesh of winter melon can be used to make winter melon soup, winter melon pork rib soup, etc., nourishing and refreshing.
2. Snake Gourd
Snake gourd is praised as the “beauty fruit” for its beauty-enhancing, heat-clearing, and detoxifying effects. It contains a large amount of vitamin B, C, and saponins, promoting metabolism and toxin removal in the body. There are various cooking methods for snake gourd such as stir-frying, stewing, making soups, especially dishes like snake gourd with eggs, snake gourd tofu soup, which are not only delicious but nutritious.
3. Bitter Gourd
Despite its slight bitterness, bitter gourd has high nutritional value. It contains components like bitter melon, bitter gourd saponins, possessing heat-clearing, detoxifying, blood sugar-lowering, weight loss effects. Eating bitter gourd appropriately after entering the midsummer season can help detoxify the body, reduce weight, and enhance immunity. Bitter gourd can be cooked in various ways, such as bitter gourd with eggs, bitter gourd pork rib soup, turning delicious food into a health preservation purpose.
2. Consume fewer “two fruits”
1. Lychee: Lychee is a popular summer fruit, but due to its heat nature, overconsumption can lead to internal heat accumulation. In the midsummer season, when the body’s yang energy is strong, excessive consumption of lychee can cause problems like mouth ulcers, constipation. Therefore, it is advisable to consume lychee in moderation, especially for individuals with a hot constitution.
2. Durian: Durian is hailed as the “king of fruits” for its unique taste and aroma loved by many. However, durian is also a heat-inducing fruit, excessive consumption can increase body heat and affect health. After entering the midsummer season, it is recommended to avoid excessive durian consumption, especially for individuals with a hot constitution or prone to internal heat.
During the midsummer season, besides paying attention to consuming more “three melons” and fewer “two fruits”, it is also important to maintain a balanced and diversified diet. Increase intake of foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, such as lean meat, fish, beans, vegetables, to supplement the body’s nutritional needs. Additionally, stay hydrated, avoid dehydration-induced discomfort.
Furthermore, proper exercise is essential for maintaining good health. Despite the hot weather after entering the midsummer season, moderate exercise can promote metabolism, enhance immunity. It is advisable to engage in physical activities in the early morning or evening, avoiding strenuous exercise during high-temperature periods to prevent heatstroke or bodily discomfort.
#SummerHealthCheck#
