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Here is the English translation of the provided text: Can Elderly People Eat Bitter Melon During the Dog Days of Summer?The scorching summer heat is hard to bear, and how to get through the dog days of summer healthily is one of the biggest concerns for the elderly. Many believe that bitter melon has the effect of clearing heat and relieving summer heat, but there is also a saying in folklore that "eating bitter melon during the dog days of summer will cause coldness and harm the body

Here is the English translation of the provided text:

Can Elderly People Eat Bitter Melon During the Dog Days of Summer?

The scorching summer heat is hard to bear, and how to get through the dog days of summer healthily is one of the biggest concerns for the elderly. Many believe that bitter melon has the effect of clearing heat and relieving summer heat, but there is also a saying in folklore that "eating bitter melon during the dog days of summer will cause coldness and harm the body." So, is it really suitable for the elderly to eat bitter melon during the dog days of summer?

The answer is not absolute, but should be judged in combination with the elderly's physical condition and specific situation.

I. Nutritional Value and Benefits of Bitter Melon

Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, is a common vegetable named for its bitter taste. Bitter melon is rich in various nutrients, including:

• Vitamin C: Bitter melon is rich in vitamin C, several times higher than citrus fruits, which has antioxidant and immune-boosting effects.

• Momordicin: Momordicin possesses multiple pharmacological effects, including lowering blood sugar levels, reducing blood lipids, and having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Dietary Fiber: Bitter melon is rich in dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis and prevent constipation.

• Other Nutrients: Bitter melon also contains minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron, as well as a variety of vitamins, beneficial for human health.

II. Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory on Bitter Melon

Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that bitter melon is cold in nature, bitter in taste, and enters the heart, spleen, and lung meridians. It has the effects of clearing heat and relieving summer heat, promoting urination and reducing swelling, lowering blood sugar levels, and reducing blood lipids. In summer, people often eat bitter melon to relieve summer heat, reduce body temperature, and prevent heatstroke.

III. Precautions for Elderly People Eating Bitter Melon

• Physical Condition: Elderly people usually have weaker constitutions and impaired digestive functions. Those with spleen and stomach deficiency and coldness should be cautious when consuming bitter melon. Excessive consumption of bitter melon may lead to digestive problems such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and increased burden on the spleen and stomach.

• Cold Nature: Bitter melon has a cold nature. Elderly people are inherently deficient in yang energy. If they consume too much bitter melon, it may aggravate the body's coldness, leading to poor blood circulation and discomfort such as cold hands and feet, and soreness in the waist and knees.

• Other Diseases: Elderly individuals with chronic diseases such as gastric ulcers, chronic enteritis, and low blood pressure are advised to consult a doctor before consuming bitter melon.

IV. How Should Elderly People Eat Bitter Melon During the Dog Days of Summer?

• Moderate Consumption: For elderly people with relatively good health, they can eat bitter melon in moderation during the dog days of summer, but avoid overconsumption.

• Cooking Methods: It is recommended to cook bitter melon, such as stir-frying, stewing, or cold salad, to reduce its coldness. It can also be paired with other warm ingredients, such as red dates, ginger, etc., to neutralize its coldness.

• Observation: Observe your own reactions after consuming bitter melon. If any discomfort arises, stop eating immediately.

• Select Suitable Varieties: There are numerous varieties of bitter melon on the market. It is advisable to choose varieties with a milder bitter taste and better texture, such as white bitter melon.

V. Dietary Suggestions for Elderly People During the Dog Days of Summer

The dog days of summer are characterized by high temperatures and humidity. Elderly people should pay attention to dietary adjustments to maintain good health. Besides eating bitter melon in moderation, it is recommended for the elderly to eat more of the following foods:

• Warm Foods: Such as red dates, ginger, longan, and yam, which can warm yang energy, replenish qi, enhance immunity, and help resist summer heat and dampness.

• Foods High in Potassium: Such as bananas, potatoes, spinach, etc., which can replenish potassium lost due to excessive sweating, preventing hypokalemia.

• Foods that Promote Diuresis and Detoxification: Such as red beans, coix seed, winter melon, etc., which can help eliminate dampness from the body, relieving discomfort caused by summer heat.

• Foods that Clear Heat and Relieve Summer Heat: Such as mung beans, watermelon, bitter melon (in moderation), etc., which can clear heat and relieve summer heat, but avoid overconsumption to prevent excessive burden on the spleen and stomach.

VI. Health Management for Elderly People During the Dog Days of Summer

• Balanced Diet: Elderly people should pay attention to a balanced diet, ensuring sufficient nutrient intake, and avoiding picky eating or unbalanced diets.

• Moderate Exercise: Summer temperatures are high. It is recommended that elderly people engage in moderate exercise during the cooler hours of the morning or evening, such as walking, tai chi, etc., to enhance their physical fitness and improve immunity.

• Maintain a Good Mindset: Maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, avoiding excessive stress and anxiety, which is beneficial for both physical and mental health.

• Pay Attention to Heatstroke Prevention and Cooling Down: Summer temperatures are high. Elderly people should pay attention to preventing heatstroke and cooling down. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, wear hats and light-colored clothing when going out, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

In Conclusion:

Whether or not elderly people can eat bitter melon during the dog days of summer should be judged based on their individual physical condition and specific situation. For elderly people with relatively good health, bitter melon can be consumed in moderation, but overconsumption should be avoided, and attention should be paid to cooking methods and observing personal reactions. Elderly people should pay attention to a balanced diet, moderate exercise, maintain a good mindset, and take measures to prevent heatstroke and cool down to stay healthy throughout the dog days of summer.

References:

• [1] Li Cunfeng. An exploration of dietary nutrition and health for the elderly population, Food Safety Guide, 2024-04-05

• [2] "" (Chinese Materia Medica)

• [3] "2016" (Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2016))

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