Six Gourds to Eat After the Start of Autumn to Nourish the Lungs, Beautify the Skin, and Prevent Disease

After the Start of Autumn, besides "nourishing in autumn," there is also the custom of "gnawing on autumn." "Gnawing on autumn" is also called "biting autumn" in some places. In the book "Jinmen Miscellanea: Seasonal Customs" by Zhang Tao of the Qing Dynasty, there is such a record: "Eating melons at the Start of Autumn is called 'biting autumn,' which can prevent diarrhea." After the Start of Autumn, one should eat more nutritious melons and fruits with high water content to replenish the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients lost due to excessive sweating during the "dog days" of summer.

1. Watermelon

Watermelon is sweet, juicy, and refreshing, helping to relieve summer heat. It is not only high in water but also rich in nutrients, containing large amounts of glucose, fructose, minerals (such as potassium, iron, phosphorus, etc.), as well as amino acids, lycopene, and beta-carotene. It is recommended not to eat too much watermelon after the Start of Autumn.

2. Cucumber

Cucumber has crisp and tender flesh, is juicy and sweet, and has a special aroma. Cucumber is 98% water and contains relatively rich nutrients such as vitamin C, carotene, and minerals like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron. The vitamin C in cucumber can whiten the skin, maintain its elasticity, and inhibit melanin formation. Regular consumption or application to the skin can effectively combat skin aging, reduce wrinkles, and effectively cope with the dry climate after the Start of Autumn.

Pickled Cucumber

3. Bitter Melon

Nutritionally, bitter melon is rich in nutrients. Its vitamin C content is 5 times that of cucumber and 3 times that of winter melon. Bitter melon contains a bitter melon protease that can inhibit tumor development and improve human immunity; the bitter melon polysaccharides it contains can lower blood lipids and blood sugar. Bitter melon is known as "plant insulin." It is regarded as a natural and excellent food-medicine dual-use vegetable.

4. Loofah

Eating more loofah after the Start of Autumn can prevent lung dryness and nourish the delicate lungs. Loofah contains nutrients such as vitamin B1, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and xylan, as well as active ingredients like saponins and plant mucilage. Long-term consumption or using loofah juice to wipe the face can make the skin smooth and delicate, so loofah juice is praised as "beauty water."

Scallop and Loofah Soup

5. Winter Melon

Nutritionally, winter melon is a melon high in potassium and low in sodium, containing relatively rich vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, etc., making it very suitable for people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, and edema. Research has found that winter melon contains an active substance called taraxerol, which has the effect of inhibiting the conversion of carbohydrates into fat in the body, preventing fat accumulation and aiding in weight loss.

6. Pumpkin

After the Start of Autumn, it is a good idea to eat more pumpkin, as it is very helpful for regulating the spleen and stomach. The pectin and dietary fiber in pumpkin are very beneficial for preventing constipation and losing weight; the active substance pumpkin polysaccharide can lower blood lipids and blood sugar, which is very beneficial for regulating blood sugar. The carotene in pumpkin can enhance the disease resistance of the respiratory mucosa, effectively preventing the occurrence of respiratory diseases.

Pumpkin and Shrimp Baked Rice