What are the benefits of soaking bitter gourd in water

Soaking bitter gourd in water can help clear heat and relieve summer heat, assist in lowering blood sugar, promote digestion, enhance immunity, and improve skin health. Bitter melon contains active ingredients such as bitter melon extract, peptides, and vitamin C, which are suitable for summer consumption or moderate consumption by people with high blood sugar.

1. Clearing heat and relieving summer heat

Bitter gourd has a cold nature, and soaking it in water can effectively alleviate the restlessness and thirst caused by summer heat. The quinine like substances it contains can inhibit abnormal excitation of the body temperature center, making it suitable for workers in high-temperature environments or for drinking after outdoor activities in summer. People with weak and cold constitution should avoid drinking on an empty stomach to avoid exacerbating gastrointestinal discomfort.

2. Auxiliary sugar control

Polypeptides P and bitter melon glycosides in bitter melon have insulin-like effects, which can delay intestinal sugar absorption. Research has shown that it can promote the utilization of glucose in peripheral tissues, but cannot replace hypoglycemic drugs. Diabetes patients need to monitor blood glucose changes when drinking to avoid hypoglycemia caused by the use of hypoglycemic drugs.

3. Promoting digestion

Bitter melon soaked in water can stimulate the secretion of digestive juices, improve loss of appetite and postprandial fullness. Its dietary fiber can promote intestinal peristalsis and relieve mild constipation. For those with weak gastrointestinal function, it is recommended to drink it after meals, with a single dose not exceeding 200 milliliters.

4. Enhance immunity

Bitter gourd contains 56 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams, which can be partially retained after soaking in water. Brewing with goji berries or chrysanthemums can increase the absorption rate of antioxidant substances. Long term consumption can help enhance the respiratory mucosal defense ability, but vitamin C is easily broken down when exposed to heat. It is recommended to brew with water below 60 ℃.

5. Improving skin quality

Triterpenoids in bitter gourd can inhibit excessive sebum secretion and have an auxiliary improvement effect on acne prone skin. External application of refrigerated bitter melon water wet compress can alleviate skin redness and swelling after sun exposure, while internal use can reduce skin inflammation through detoxification effects. Sensitive skin needs to undergo local testing before use.

Dried bitter melon slices have similar water soaking effects as fresh ones, but attention should be paid to pesticide residue issues. It is recommended to soak them in salt water and slice them to air dry. Paired with hawthorn, it can enhance the lipid-lowering effect, and when soaked with cassia seed, it is suitable for people with excessive eye strain. Pregnant women and patients with hypoglycemia should use it with caution. Continuous consumption should not exceed one month, and it is recommended to continue drinking after a one week interval. Adding a small amount of honey in daily life can adjust the taste, but it may partially offset the hypoglycemic effect.