Despite its name, winter melon is tasty in the summer. There are some foods that it can pair up with. However, there are some contraindications to note when eating it which, if overlooked, can do more harm than good.
Winter melon should not be eaten with the certain foods
Ricebean
Both winter melon and ricebean are diuretics. Together, they increase the urine amount drastically in an average person and can quickly cause dehydration.
Mangosteen
Both winter melon and mangosteen are cold in food energy. When consumed together, they cause damage to the stomach and intestines and result in sickness, such as diarrhea.
Crucian carp
Crucian carp is gentle food that nourishes the stomach, induces diuresis, reduces edema, and detoxifies. However, when paired with winter melon, the diuretic properties of both ingredients are intensified as a result and can cause dehydration.
Vinegar
Winter melon is rich in vitamins and minerals while vinegar is proven to have antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. However, the two should not be cooked together because vinegar can destroy the nutrients that it contains.
Winter melon pairs well with these foods
Shrimp
Winter melon contains the anti-oxidant selenium. Shrimp is rich in astaxanthin, which is a strong antioxidant that works against cancer as well. A dish made with these two ingredients can suppress abnormal cell growth helping to prevent tumors.
Kelp
Winter melon is low in calories and high in potassium, which is good for preventing high blood pressure. Kelp on the other hand contains nutritious elements to lower blood lipids and blood sugar. When paired together, they serve to balance these body conditions even more effectively.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms nurture the spleen and stomach. Their rich, coarse fiber works well for constipation. Together with diuretic winter melon, the pair makes a good dish to detoxify and loosen up stubborn stool.
Jujube
When cooked together, winter melon and jujube can lower body lipids and aid in weight loss.
Translated by Cecilia and edited by Helen
