Reasons why you can't eat bitter melon in winter

You can eat bitter melon in moderation in winter, but you need to pay attention to your physical condition and eating habits. Bitter gourd has a cold nature, and excessive consumption during the cold winter may worsen body coldness. Those with spleen and stomach deficiency and coldness need to be more cautious. Bitter gourd contains rich nutrients such as vitamin C, dietary fiber, and bitter gourd extract, which have the effects of clearing heat, relieving summer heat, and lowering blood sugar. Eating in summer can help cool down, but in winter when the temperature is low, the human body needs more warm and nourishing foods. The cooling properties of bitter gourd may affect spleen and stomach function, leading to discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. People with cold constitution and weak gastrointestinal function should reduce eating bitter gourd raw in winter and consider cooked food or pairing it with warm ingredients. Some people are still suitable to eat bitter gourd in winter, such as those with internal heat constitution or high blood sugar. The bitter melon extract in bitter melon helps regulate blood sugar, but intake needs to be controlled. When cooking, you can choose methods such as stir frying or stewing soup, and pair them with ginger and garlic isothermal seasonings to neutralize coldness. Bitter gourd can be paired with protein foods such as eggs and meat to reduce coldness and enhance nutrient absorption.

Winter diet should follow the characteristics of the solar terms and increase the intake of warm and nourishing foods appropriately. When eating bitter melon, it is recommended to choose the time when the temperature is higher at noon and avoid eating on an empty stomach. People with weak spleen and stomach can first soak bitter gourd in salt water or blanch it to reduce cold stimulation. Maintain dietary diversity, adjust the frequency and method of bitter melon consumption according to one's own constitution, and consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or nutritionist for advice if necessary.