Introduction: During the summer with high temperatures and relatively high humidity, bitter melon, lettuce, Kudingcha, and other foods start to become popular, and dishes that clear heat and relieve summer heat are well-received. Experts believe that it is beneficial to the body to eat some bitter foods in moderation during the summer, but one must also guard against excessive consumption.
Modern scientific research has proven that bitter foods are rich in alkaloids, amino acids, bitter substances, vitamins, and minerals, and they have functions such as relieving summer heat, reducing fever, eliminating vexation, refreshing the mind, and strengthening the stomach. Eating some bitter foods in moderation during the summer can not only alleviate the negative emotions caused by fatigue and boredom, restore energy, but also relieve summer heat, stimulate gastric juice secretion, increase appetite, and have the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, which is greatly beneficial to human health. For example, among vegetables, bitter melon; among fruits, almonds and citrus; and among grains, buckwheat. These bitter foods are rich in nutrients and contain various active ingredients that can prevent and treat diseases.
In addition, bitter foods such as tea, coffee, and beer can also be chosen. However, bitter foods should not be consumed excessively, as excessive bitterness can easily cause adverse symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. People with weak spleen and stomach should eat less "bitter" food.
(Excerpted from "Getting Out of Life's Misunderstandings", edited by Kang Yue, published by China Textile & Apparel Press)