On a hot summer day, if you're looking for a vegetable that can leave your body feeling a little cool and fresh, then bitter gourd is definitely your first choice. Don't be frightened by its "bitter" name, the "bitterness" in bitter gourd hides a lot of nutrition and health secrets! Summer is the peak season for bitter gourd, which is not only the most delicious at this time, but also relatively mild in bitterness, making it ideal for making a variety of delicacies.
The benefits of bitter melon are really numerous. First of all, it is a good friend of vision protectors. The high vitamin A content in bitter melon helps protect the eyes, reduces the risk of night blindness, and allows your eyes to see the world more clearly. Secondly, bitter gourd is still a master of fire reduction. Its cooling properties help you eliminate excess heat in your body and regulate your body's fire, especially for those who feel that their inner fire is exuberant or easy to get angry.
Let's talk about the qi replenishing function of bitter gourd. Although bitter gourd may seem simple, it is rich in iron and other minerals that can effectively improve physical fitness and increase energy. It is also rich in antioxidants, which can boost the body's immunity and fight daily fatigue and stress. Not only that, bitter melon is also a laxative expert. Its high-fiber content not only helps intestinal health, but also promotes intestinal peristalsis, solves constipation problems, and allows your digestive system to function more smoothly. Moreover, bitter melon is very low in calories, making it ideal during weight loss. It fills you up with little to no extra calorie burden. Can't wait to try this miracle vegetable? Don't worry, I'm going to introduce you to four delicious bitter gourd recipes that will make it easy for you to enjoy the health benefits of bitter gourd.
Recommended recipe 1: scrambled eggs with bitter gourd
Bitter melon is not only good at clearing away heat and reducing fire, but also rich in vitamin C and a variety of antioxidants, which can strengthen the body's immunity and reduce free radical damage. Scrambled eggs provide high-quality protein to aid muscle repair and growth, while cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins in egg yolks are essential for maintaining cell function.
Main ingredients: bitter gourd, eggs, green onions, salt
Here's how:
Cut the bitter gourd into thin slices, beat the eggs, and chop the green onions.
After the pan is preheated, pour in a small amount of oil and heat.
Start by stir-frying the bitter gourd slices quickly until translucent.
Pour in the egg mixture, stir-fry quickly and evenly, so that the egg and bitter gourd are perfectly combined.
Add salt and chopped green onion to taste, and scramble until the eggs are completely set.
Recommended recipe 2: bitter gourd pork rib soup
Bitter melon is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance and control heart rate and blood pressure. Pork ribs are rich in protein and calcium, which help strengthen bones and teeth. This soup is an effective way to replenish daily nutrients while helping to reduce calories in the body.
Main ingredients: bitter gourd, pork ribs, ginger slices, salt
Here's how:
Wash the ribs and blanch them to remove the blood.
Slice the bitter gourd and slice the ginger for later use.
Put the pork ribs, bitter gourd and ginger slices together in a pot and add an appropriate amount of water.
Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 to 2 hours.
After the soup is stewed, add salt to taste and serve.
Recommended recipe 3: Stir-fried beef with bitter gourd
The combination of bitter gourd and beef is not only delicious but also very nutritious. The low-calorie and high-fiber properties of bitter melon help with weight loss and improve digestion, while the high iron content of beef enhances the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and provides energy for daily activities. In addition, beef is a good source of high-quality protein, which is especially important for building muscle strength.
Main ingredients: bitter gourd, beef, garlic, light soy sauce
Here's how:
Thinly sliced beef and marinated in light soy sauce and cornstarch.
Slice the bitter gourd and slice the garlic.
Add oil to the pan and sauté the beef slices until browned.
Add garlic and bitter gourd and stir-fry quickly.
Stir-fry until the bitter gourd is soft, and the beef is cooked through.
Recommended recipe 4: cold bitter gourd
The high-fiber and low-calorie properties of bitter melon make it a regular on weight loss menus. Not only does it boost digestion but it also helps control blood sugar levels. In addition, the cold dressing method retains most of the nutrients of bitter gourd, enhancing the refreshing taste of the dish.
Main ingredients: bitter gourd, garlic, chili, soy sauce, vinegar
Here's how:
Cut the bitter gourd into thin slices and wash to remove some of the bitterness.
Prepare the garlic and chili peppers and mix them with soy sauce and vinegar to make a sauce.
Put the bitter gourd slices into the sauce and mix well.
Leave it for a while to allow the bitter gourd to fully absorb the flavor of the seasoning before serving.
The above four bitter gourd recipes are not only delicious, but also nutritious, making them perfect for summer. The versatility of bitter melon allows it to play an important role in your diet, whether it is stir-fried or cold, allowing you to enjoy a healthy and delicious taste. This summer, let bitter melon be the star of your table!