What season should bitter gourd not be eaten

Bitter gourd is not suitable for large consumption in winter and early spring seasons. Bitter gourd has a cold nature, and in winter, the body's yang energy is restrained. Overconsumption may exacerbate spleen and stomach deficiency and cold, leading to discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. The consumption taboos of bitter gourd are mainly related to factors such as physical deficiency and coldness, menstrual women, low blood sugar population, gastrointestinal disease patients, and allergic constitution.

1. Physical Deficiency and Cold

Bitter gourd has a cold nature. Long term consumption by individuals with physical deficiency and cold may worsen symptoms such as cold hands and feet, chills, and fatigue. This group of people can use ginger and Sichuan peppercorns as warm ingredients to neutralize coldness, or choose to consume them in moderation during summer. People with weak spleen and stomach especially need to control their intake to avoid digestive system reactions such as bloating and decreased appetite.

2. Menstrual women

Consuming bitter melon during menstruation may lead to menstrual blood stagnation and worsening of dysmenorrhea due to its cold characteristics. The bitter melon extract in bitter melon can promote uterine contractions, and excessive menstrual flow should be avoided. During special periods, it is recommended to choose pumpkin and red dates as isothermal tonics, and then consume bitter melon in moderation after the menstrual period ends.

3. Hypoglycemic population

Bitter gourd contains peptides that have insulin-like effects and may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar. Diabetes patients should be careful when taking hypoglycemic drugs to avoid dizziness, cold sweat and other hypoglycemic reactions. Monitor blood sugar levels daily and adjust medication dosage if necessary.

4. Patients with gastrointestinal diseases

Eating bitter melon may stimulate the gastric mucosa, worsen acid reflux and heartburn symptoms in patients with gastritis and gastric ulcers. The crude fiber in bitter gourd may induce diarrhea in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. During the acute gastroenteritis attack period, fasting should be avoided, and during the remission period, a small amount of tender bitter melon with skin and flesh removed can be consumed.

5. Allergic constitution

A small number of people are allergic to the saponin components in bitter gourd, and may experience skin itching, oral swelling, and other reactions after consumption. It is recommended to try a small amount for the first time and stop immediately if allergic symptoms occur. People with allergies can blanch bitter gourd to destroy some allergenic proteins before consumption. Bitter melon is rich in vitamin C and bitter melon glycosides. Eating it in summer can clear heat and relieve summer heat, but the consumption method needs to be adjusted according to the constitution. People with a deficiency cold constitution can choose heating cooking methods such as stir frying and stewing soup, and pair them with protein such as eggs and lean meat to relieve coldness. Avoid eating bitter gourd raw on an empty stomach. Eating it two hours after a meal is more conducive to nutrient absorption. Special populations are advised to consult traditional Chinese medicine practitioners for constitution differentiation and develop personalized dietary plans. When storing, be sure to refrigerate for no more than 3 days. Bitter gourd with yellow and soft skin should not be consumed.