Bitter foods in Minor Heat are better than any tonic.

Introduction: During Minor Heat, high temperatures and excessive Yang energy can easily deplete the body's fluids, leading to a dry mouth and throat and loss of appetite. At this time, eating rich foods like large fish and meat can actually make the body feel uncomfortable. On the contrary, consuming some bitter foods can strengthen the spleen and whet the appetite, significantly increasing one's desire to eat. Hence the saying, "Eating bitter in summer is better than taking tonics."

Scorching Summer, Bitter Foods Take Center Stage

The ancient Five Elements theory's principle of "more sour in spring, more bitter in summer, more pungent in autumn, and more salty in winter" is quite scientific. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, bitter foods are considered to have cool and cold properties, and are known for clearing heat, purging fire, removing summer heat and dampness, and promoting fluid production and appetite. Therefore, they are particularly suitable for consumption during Minor Heat. Among all bitter foods, bitter melon is the most typical, followed by bitter greens, lettuce, Kudingcha (holly leaf tea), and almonds. Besides bitter foods, eating some cooling foods can have a similar effect. For example, watermelon, cucumber, winter melon, and lettuce are all considered cooling vegetables and can be eaten in moderation.

Bitter Melon Stuffed with Shrimp and Pork

Different Bitter Foods Should Be Treated Differently

The term "bitter food" refers to foods that contain certain bitter chemical compounds, which is the source of their bitterness. Some bitter foods contain beneficial bitter chemical compounds. For instance, the momordicoside in bitter melon can lower blood sugar, the apigenin in celery can lower blood pressure, and the alkaloids and polyphenols in tea can invigorate the mind and provide antioxidant effects. Consuming these in moderation is beneficial to the body.

However, some bitter foods contain toxic chemical substances. For example, the stem and root of an unripe muskmelon are bitter and contain a toxic bitter principle. Consumption can lead to symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening, and there have been clinical reports of poisoning from such consumption. Additionally, bitter almonds should not be eaten raw because their amygdalin, under the action of acid and enzymes, hydrolyzes into highly toxic hydrocyanic acid, causing acute poisoning. They must be thoroughly processed before consumption.

Bitter Melon and Black Fungus Salad

Eating "Bitter" Isn't Suitable for Everyone

There are specific considerations for "eating bitter" during Minor Heat. For those with poor appetite in the summer, bitter foods can indeed strengthen the spleen and whet the appetite. However, excessively bitter flavors or consuming too many bitter foods can also cause stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Therefore, people with poor digestive function or a tendency to diarrhea should not eat too much bitter melon or watermelon. The elderly with weak constitutions, and patients with a cold spleen and stomach, cold pain in the epigastric and abdominal regions, or loose stools, should also avoid it, as it can worsen their condition. Furthermore, children's digestive systems are not yet fully developed, so they should not consume excessive amounts of bitter foods.

Whether to "eat bitter" during Minor Heat depends on individual constitution and living environment and is not suitable for everyone. For example, in hot and sweltering weather, consuming more "bitter" foods can help clear heat, remove summer heat, and refresh the palate and appetite. For those who spend long hours in air-conditioned offices and sweat less, it is beneficial to "increase pungent" foods in their diet to help promote Qi flow and nourish Yang energy. In weather with high summer heat and dampness, eating some bitter vegetables helps to eliminate dampness from the body. However, for those with excess internal heat who wish to use bitter melon to clear heat and purge fire, it is best to eat it sliced thinly and raw in a salad. This method is closer to its original flavor and can better enhance its therapeutic effects.

Bitter Melon and Bell Pepper