Disclaimer: The content of the article is for reference only, the storyline is purely fictional, intended to popularize health knowledge, if you feel unwell, please seek medical attention offline.
On a hot summer day, Lao Wang sat in the consultation room, looking anxious. He looked at Dr. Zhang, a Chinese medicine practitioner in front of him, and stopped talking. Dr. Zhang was intently checking Lao Wang's inspection report, his brows furrowed slightly. "Lao Wang, your kidney function indicators are not ideal."
Dr. Zhang spoke slowly. Lao Wang sighed, "I know, in the past few years, I have always felt back pain, and I still get old at night." Dr. Zhang pondered for a moment, and suddenly asked, "Have you eaten watermelon and winter melon recently?" Lao Wang was stunned, "I love these two things the most, how can I have them in summer?" "
Dr. Zhang smiled mysteriously, "Then you should eat more, maybe it will be good for your kidneys." "
This conversation aroused Wang's curiosity. He recalled that when he was a child, he often heard the old man say, "If you eat two melons in July, you don't need to catch traditional Chinese medicine", is this saying really scientifically based? With doubts, Lao Wang decided to delve into the mystery of these two kinds of melons.
It turns out that both watermelon and winter melon have unique effects in traditional Chinese medicine theory. The "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that watermelon "clears heat and relieves heat, facilitates urination, and detoxifies alcohol". Modern research has shown that watermelon is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
According to a study published in the Chinese Journal of Nutrition in 2021, Lycopene may help improve kidney function and reduce kidney damage caused by oxidative stress.
Winter melon is listed as the top grade by "Shennong's Materia Medica", which has the effect of "clearing heat and dampness, eliminating phlegm and lowering blood pressure". A 2020 review in the Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine pointed out that a variety of active substances contained in winter melon, such as flavonoids and polysaccharides, may have a protective effect on the kidneys.
As Wang became more and more interested, he decided to ask Dr. Zhang for more details. Dr. Zhang explained that watermelon is cold, diuretic and swelling, especially suitable for summer consumption.
It has a high water content, which can help flush out excess water and toxins from the body and reduce the burden on the kidneys. Winter melon is cool, helps to clear heat and detoxify, and also has a certain effect on improving symptoms such as edema and high blood pressure.
However, Dr. Zhang also reminded Lao Wang that although these two kinds of melons are good for kidney health, it does not mean that they can be eaten in unlimited amounts. According to a 2022 survey by the Chinese Journal of Food Science, excessive consumption of watermelon may lead to blood sugar fluctuations, which is not good for diabetics. Although winter melon is low in calories, it should not be overeaten so as not to affect the digestive system.
After listening to Dr. Zhang's explanation, Lao Wang suddenly realized. He remembered that he had worked in an orchard when he was younger, and that he had studied melons and fruits. He shared with Dr. Zhang his experience in selecting high-quality watermelons and winter melons: when choosing watermelons, the ones with crisp beating sound and spiral stems are usually sweeter; The selection of winter melon depends on the skin, and the quality of delicate and smooth and uniform color is better.
Dr. Zhang nodded approvingly and added, "In addition to the two melons, there are some foods that are good for kidney health in summer. For example, mung beans, barley, red adzuki beans, etc., all have the effect of clearing heat and dampness. He suggested that Lao Wang can eat these ingredients with watermelon and winter melon, which can not only adjust the taste, but also enhance the health effect.
Inspired to include more kidney-friendly foods in his daily diet. He drinks a bowl of watermelon juice every day and often cooks some winter melon soup for lunch. In his spare time, he also likes to make some winter melon tea, adding barley and mung beans to refresh the heat.
As time went on, Wang was pleasantly surprised to find that his physical condition had improved significantly. My waist is no longer so sore, and I wake up less often. Three months later, I had another physical examination, and my kidney function indicators really improved.
This experience made Lao Wang deeply realize that the combination of traditional health wisdom and modern medical knowledge can often achieve unexpected results. He started organizing health talks in the community to share his experiences with his neighbors.
After listening to this, Uncle Li, a retired chef, immediately innovated several health dishes, such as stir-fried pork with watermelon skin and winter melon and barley soup, which were widely popular in the community canteen.
Lao Wang's story quickly spread in the community, triggering a new understanding of traditional health regimens. The local TCM hospital has also set up a "summer health clinic" to provide personalized dietary advice to more patients like Lao Wang.
As the summer days passed, Lao Wang stood in his small courtyard, looking at the several huge winter melons hanging on the vines, and his heart was full of gratitude. He deeply realized that the little wisdom in life often contains profound truths. "Eat two melons in July" is not only a common saying, but also a precious wealth left to us by our ancestors.
Lao Wang stroked the winter melon on the vine and muttered to himself: "The secret of health is hidden in our daily life." The setting sun has gilded the courtyard in this summer, and it has also written a healthy and beautiful new chapter in Lao Wang's life.
Bibliography:
1. Li et al. Effects of lycopene on kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease. Chinese Journal of Nutrition, 2021, 43(5): 521-526.
2. Wang et al. Research progress on bioactive substances in winter melon and their application in renal protection. Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2020, 35(3): 1245-1250.
3. Zhang et al. Investigation and study on the current situation of watermelon consumption and its effect on blood glucose among mainland residents. Chinese Journal of Food Science, 2022, 22(8): 156-163.
4. Chen et al. Research progress on the application of traditional Chinese medicine diet therapy in the prevention and treatment of kidney disease. Chinese Journal of Nephrology, 2023, 39(4): 312-318.
5. Liu et al. The health benefits of traditional Chinese medicine and its scientific basis for common summer foods. China Journal of Basic Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2021, 27(7): 897-901.