As soon as the dog days arrived, the heat wave rolled in, and it seemed that even breathing became heavy. This is the hottest time of the year, and the heat of the weather not only makes people feel physically exhausted, but also often brings "internal fire" to the body. This rise in internal heat often manifests as dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, dreams, and irritability. If left untreated, long-term heat and internal heat can also trigger or exacerbate cardiovascular disease, skin problems, and other health problems.
In this environment, it is especially important to choose the right ingredients. According to my grandfather, who studied Chinese medicine, there are four ingredients that are particularly important during this season because they have a remarkable heat-clearing and heat-reducing effect. These ingredients not only help us relieve internal discomfort caused by high temperatures, but also enhance the body's ability to self-regulate, allowing us to better adapt to the hot summer months.
Specifically, these ingredients can help us remove heat toxins from the body, replenish necessary water, and reconcile the body's yin and yang balance. By consuming these ingredients, we not only reduce the sensation of heat in our bodies, but also improve our overall quality of life, ensuring that we stay fresh and energized on a hot summer day.
1. Bitter gourd (bitter gourd scrambled egg)
Bitter gourd, don't look at its name with a "bitter", in fact, its benefits are so many that you are happy! Bitter gourd is rich in vitamin C, which is the star ingredient of antioxidants, which can effectively help the body resist oxidative stress caused by heat, and it also has a certain amount of vitamin A, which is beneficial to skin health. What's more commendable is that bitter gourd contains alkaloids and a variety of trace elements, which can promote blood circulation, increase metabolism, and combat fatigue in summer.
Eating bitter gourd on dog days has obvious advantages. Its natural bitter taste is believed by traditional Chinese medicine to have the effect of clearing heat, killing fire and detoxifying, especially suitable for people who have heat in the body and are prone to heat symptoms. Bitter gourd can be served cold, stir-fried, or made into soups, which not only reduces internal heat, but also stimulates the appetite, keeping you fresh and energized on a hot summer day.
2. Winter melon (shrimp skin winter melon soup)
The nutritional value of winter melon lies in its low-calorie, high-moisture characteristics. Rich in dietary fibre can help promote gut health, while minerals such as vitamins B and C and potassium are beneficial for heart health and electrolyte balance. Especially in the summer when the calorie consumption is high, these characteristics of winter melon are particularly important.
Winter melon is eaten in summer, and its diuretic and heatstroke relief effects are particularly prominent. Winter melon is cool, which can help remove excess heat from the body and reduce common summer symptoms such as polydipsia and heat stroke. And many of the ways to do it, such as boiling soups or stews, are perfect for summer, not only to bring a sense of satisfaction, but also to help the body adjust to its optimal condition.
3. Artemisia chrysanthemum (Garlic chrysanthemum)
Chrysanthemum, a leafy vegetable with a unique fragrance, is not to be underestimated. It is rich in vitamins A and C, which are especially good for eye and skin health. At the same time, chrysanthemum is also rich in calcium and iron, which can strengthen bones and improve blood quality. These nutrients are especially important during the hot summer months, as they help the body resist environmental stressors and boost the immune system.
The best time to eat chrysanthemum is on dog days, when its heat-clearing and fire-reducing properties are most effective. The fragrance of chrysanthemum stimulates the appetite and is suitable for cold salads or quick stir-frying. In this way, not only can you enjoy the delicious taste, but you can also adjust the body heat by eating chrysanthemum, so that the body can stay cool and comfortable.
4. Wheat cabbage (garlic lettuce)
Oily lettuce, also known as lettuce, is one of the ideal vegetables in summer. Its leaves are high in moisture and crisp in taste, providing fiber that helps the gut clear waste products, while being rich in vitamin K and other antioxidants that help maintain blood health and reduce inflammation. In addition, lettuce has a low energy value, making it a good choice for a calorie-controlled diet.
Eating oilseed lettuce on dog days can take advantage of its high moisture and high fiber characteristics to help the body resist the challenges of a high-temperature environment. Lettuce is cool and delicious, suitable for salads or added to cold dishes, bringing a fresh touch to the hot summer day, and at the same time, it can effectively reduce the "fire" in the body, so that you can stay cool and energetic in the heat.
Through the introduction of these four ingredients, I hope you can find a cool way that suits you in this dog day. Remember, a proper diet is the key to regulating your physical condition, so let's enjoy a healthy and comfortable summer with these natural ingredients!