- 1. Groups of people who should not eat too much gourd.
- 2. Recognizing signs that gourds may cause poisoning
- 3. Things to keep in mind when eating gourd to protect your health.
Gourd is a familiar fruit, containing up to 95% water along with many essential vitamins and minerals for the body. Thanks to its cooling properties and high fiber content, this fruit helps to cool the body, support digestion, and effectively aid in weight loss. It's not only an ingredient for refreshing soups but also a very good natural remedy for cardiovascular health .
1. Groups of people who should not eat too much gourd.
While gourds are beneficial for health, not everyone can eat them.
People with sensitive digestive systems or poor absorption
People who frequently experience cold stomachs, bloating , or loose stools may actually be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, dysbiosis, or hypersensitive bowel movements, so they should limit their consumption of dishes made from gourds.
Gourds are composed of up to 95% water and a large amount of soluble fiber. When people with sensitive digestive systems or poor nutrient absorption consume large quantities of gourds, the water and fiber increase osmotic pressure in the intestines, stimulating stronger intestinal contractions to expel food. For a weakened digestive system, this stimulation can lead to acute diarrhea, causing dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and prolonged fatigue.
Because gourds have strong cooling properties, people who often have cold hands and feet should not eat too much of them to avoid worsening the feeling of chills.
People who are suffering from diarrhea or digestive disorders.
When the digestive system is malfunctioning, the intestinal lining is damaged and very sensitive. Gourds contain abundant water and fiber, along with a cooling effect. Eating gourds during a digestive disorder can excessively increase intestinal peristalsis, worsening diarrhea and making it more difficult to control.
People with low blood pressure
Gourd has diuretic effects and is very good for lowering blood pressure in people with hypertension. However, conversely, for people who already have low blood pressure, eating too much gourd (especially drinking raw gourd juice) can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness , lightheadedness, or even fainting.
2. Recognizing signs that gourds may cause poisoning
It's not just the aforementioned groups who need to be aware; even healthy individuals can be poisoned by bitter gourds.
The bitterness in gourds (and other cucurbitaceae plants like zucchini and cucumbers) is due to cucurbitacin, a natural toxin that helps the plant protect itself from insects. When gourds are bitter, the cucurbitacin content is extremely high. Eating just a few pieces of bitter gourd can cause poisoning with serious symptoms such as:
- Persistent nausea and vomiting.
- Severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea.
- Severe hypotension, gastric bleeding (in severe cases).
Therefore, before cooking, taste a little of the raw gourd. If it tastes bitter, discard it immediately; absolutely do not try to cook it or add more seasoning to mask the bitterness.
3. Things to keep in mind when eating gourd to protect your health.
To fully absorb the nutrients from gourds without worrying about side effects, please note the following principles:
Avoid eating too much gourd: You should only eat gourd 2-3 times a week. Eating it too often can easily lead to nutritional imbalances and stomach upset.
Cook thoroughly: It is best to eat squash that has been cooked (boiled, stir-fried, or in soup). Minimize drinking raw squash juice if you are unsure about the origin and safety of the squash.
Incorporate warming spices: When cooking gourd soup or stir-frying gourd, add a little fresh ginger or scallions. Ginger has warming properties, which help neutralize the cooling nature of gourd, reducing the risk of bloating and indigestion.
Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/3-nhom-nguoi-nen-han-che-an-qua-bau-169260517213952552.htm
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