During the hottest time of the year,
there is nothing like the “three dog days”.
In the hot and humid environment,
appetite decreases,
although spicy and greasy foods stimulate the appetite,
they are not beneficial to health.
After the beginning of the dog days,
it is recommended to eat more melons and fewer fruits,
good for health and nutrition!
The dog days are the hottest period in summer, the temperature soars, the body metabolism accelerates, sweating is easy, and the loss of body water and nutrients also increases accordingly. In such a season, reasonable dietary adjustments are especially important.
Eat more melons
Winter Melon
Winter melon is a seasonal vegetable in summer, with the effects of clearing heat, diuresis, and reducing swelling. It is rich in vitamin C and potassium, effectively replenishing the body’s lost water and electrolytes in hot weather, maintaining internal balance. Winter melon has tender flesh, a sweet taste, can be made into winter melon soup, winter melon ribs soup, etc., providing nutrition while cooling and quenching thirst.
Ridge Gourd
Ridge gourd is known as the “beauty melon” for its beauty-enhancing, heat-clearing, and detoxifying effects. It contains a large amount of vitamins B, C, and saponins, promoting the body’s metabolism and eliminating toxins. Ridge gourd can be cooked in various ways, such as stir-frying, stewing, and making soup. Dishes like ridge gourd with eggs and ridge gourd tofu soup are both delicious and nutritious.
Bitter Melon
Although bitter, bitter melon has high nutritional value. It contains components like momordicin and bitter melon saponin, with effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing blood sugar, and aiding weight loss. Eating bitter melon appropriately after the beginning of the dog days can help detoxify the body, reduce weight, and enhance immunity. Bitter melon can be cooked into dishes like bitter melon with eggs, bitter melon ribs soup, making it both delicious and beneficial for health.
Limit Consumption of Two Fruits
Litchi
Litchi is a popular fruit in summer, but its heat nature can cause excessive consumption to result in internal heat. After the beginning of the dog days when the body’s Yang energy is strong, excessive litchi consumption can lead to problems like mouth ulcers and constipation. Therefore, it is advisable to consume litchis in moderation, especially for those with a tendency towards internal heat.
Durian
Durian is referred to as the “king of fruits” for its unique taste and aroma loved by many. However, durian is also a heat-inducing fruit, overconsumption can increase internal heat and affect health. After the beginning of the dog days, try to avoid excessive durian consumption, especially for those with a tendency towards internal heat or easy irritation.
During the dog days period, besides focusing on eating more melons and fewer fruits, maintaining a balanced and diversified diet is important. Increase intake of protein-rich foods, vitamins, and minerals such as lean meat, fish, legumes, vegetables, etc., to supply the body with necessary nutrients. Also, remember to stay hydrated to prevent discomfort due to dehydration.
