A selection of weight loss methods using winter melon, cucumber, and vinegar, as well as traditional Chinese medicine weight loss diets.

110. Why is winter melon considered a great food for weight loss?

Winter melon is sweet and bland in taste, cool in nature, and non-toxic.

The Shennong Materia Medica states: "Prolonged use can lighten the body and delay aging."

The herbal book on dietary therapy states: "Those who wish to achieve a slim and healthy physique can eat this regularly."

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that winter melon has the functions of promoting diuresis and reducing swelling, clearing heat and detoxifying.

Winter melon seeds are used to treat intestinal abscesses, lung abscesses, and painful urination; the outer skin is used to treat edema.

Modern medical research has found that winter melon differs from other melons and vegetables in that it contains no fat, is high in potassium, and low in sodium, thus promoting diuresis and reducing sodium and water retention.

Therefore, winter melon is an ideal vegetable for obese people.

In addition, winter melon contains vitamins B1, B2, and C, as well as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Among them, vitamin B1 can help the body convert starch and sugar into energy instead of fat, thus aiding in weight loss.

It is also very suitable for patients with high blood pressure, kidney disease, and edema who need a low-sodium diet.

Winter melon is a good medicinal food for preventing and treating silicosis and promoting lactation.

There are many ways to eat winter melon, but it is best to braise, stew, steam, or make soup.

It can be sliced ​​or chopped alone and braised or stewed into a delicious and flavorful vegetable dish. It can also be made into a famous vegetarian dish with asparagus, tomatoes, loofah slices, mushroom slices, etc., and can be paired with fish, meat, shrimp, eel, bird's nest, etc. to cook into a fragrant and delicious delicacy.

On a hot summer day, winter melon and fresh lotus leaves can be boiled together to make a refreshing and thirst-quenching weight-loss drink.

Why are cucumbers said to have weight-loss benefits?

Cucumbers are sweet, cool, and non-toxic.

The Compendium of Materia Medica states that "cucumbers are sweet and cold in nature, and can clear heat, quench thirst, and promote urination."

Cucumbers contain protein, fat, sugar, calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, niacin, etc.

Cooked cucumbers have a diuretic effect; eating cucumbers regularly can make your skin smooth and tender and delay aging.

The vitamins in cucumbers can help eliminate putrefactive substances from the intestines and lower cholesterol.

The glucosides, fructose, mannitol, xylose, and other substances contained in cucumbers do not participate in normal sugar metabolism. Therefore, when diabetic patients use cucumbers as a substitute for food, their blood sugar will not only not rise, but may even decrease.

Cucumbers contain malonic acid, which can inhibit the conversion of carbohydrates into fat, thus aiding in weight loss.

Cucumbers can also help enhance brain and nervous system function, maintain good memory, and slow down fatigue, and can be used as an adjunct treatment for insomnia.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that cucumbers are sweet and cool in nature, and have the functions of clearing heat, promoting diuresis, and detoxifying. They can treat symptoms such as thirst, sore throat, insomnia, and burns.

Why can vinegar and vinegar-based soybean therapy help with weight loss?

There are many ways to lose weight. In recent years, especially in the United States and Japan, the method of using vinegar and soaking soybeans in vinegar has become popular for weight loss. Because the method is simple, has no side effects, and is effective, it is very popular among obese people.

(1) Vinegar therapy: Drink 15-20 ml of vinegar daily. It can be drunk in several portions or all at once. It has been reported that weight can be reduced by 3-5 kg ​​within a month.

The effective components of vinegar are various acids and more than 20 kinds of amino acids. Citric acid and other substances in vinegar can prevent fat synthesis and promote fat decomposition. They can also facilitate the metabolism of sugars, proteins and other substances, so they can achieve a good weight loss effect.

Contraindications for using vinegar for weight loss include those with gastrointestinal dysfunction and those already suffering from gastric or duodenal ulcers.

People with excessive stomach acid or vinegar allergy are also advised against consuming vinegar on an empty stomach, as this may damage their stomach function.

(2) Method for losing weight with vinegar beans: Select plump and intact soybeans, wash them with clean water, and dry them in the sun.

Then pour the soybeans into a wok and stir-fry for 20-30 minutes over medium-low heat. Do not burn the soybeans, but make sure they are cooked through and golden brown.

Find a clean, dry, wide-mouthed empty bottle or jar. Put in the roasted and cooled soybeans, filling the bottle or jar about 1/3 full. Pour in vinegar, fill the bottle or jar completely, seal it tightly, and place it in a cool place or in the refrigerator. It can be consumed after 1 week. Take half a tablespoon or 5-6 vinegar-soaked soybeans each morning and evening.

If someone really doesn't want to eat pickled beans, they can add an appropriate amount of honey to adjust the taste.

Vinegar-soaked soybeans contain abundant protein, vitamins, calcium, plant fats, and dietary fiber, which help prevent obesity. The combination of vinegar and soybeans is even more effective.

The saponins in vinegar-soaked soybeans can remove fat adhering to the walls of blood vessels, and the unsaturated fatty acids in vinegar-soaked soybeans can reduce cholesterol.

Therefore, the vinegar and bean therapy can not only help with weight loss, but also prevent and treat arteriosclerosis.

According to clinical reports, eating vinegar-soaked beans has significant advantages in weight loss, and is entirely beneficial to the body.

It will not cause adverse effects such as dark circles, increased or deepened wrinkles that occur due to weight loss.

Of course, using vinegar and beans for weight loss is not a panacea. It requires perseverance and willpower from the patient, positive changes in dietary habits, and assistance with exercise.

What are some medicinal diets related to weight loss in traditional Chinese medicine?

Traditional Chinese medicine dietary therapy is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine.

More than two thousand years ago, there were "food doctors" who specialized in mastering diet and nutrition.

The "Suwen·Zangqi Fashi Lun" discusses the principle that "grains nourish, fruits assist, livestock benefit, and vegetables supplement," indicating that at that time, there were already quite scientific principles for food pairing and dietary therapy.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that dietary indiscretion is one of the causes of weight gain, such as overeating fatty and sweet foods, indulging in rich and savory foods, and excessive drinking.

Guided by the basic theory that obese people often have dampness and phlegm, the treatment principle is to use light and refreshing phlegm-removing, clear the orifices and promote diuresis. It is suggested that obese people should avoid fried, greasy, sweet and rich foods, avoid smoking, alcohol and spicy foods, eat more vegetables and soy products, supplement with lean meat, and use less salt.

It is basically consistent with current Western medical theories.

Various plants, animals, and proven prescriptions are mentioned in classic works such as "Dietary Therapy Materia Medica", "Compendium of Materia Medica", and "Zhenghe Materia Medica".

Foods such as lotus leaves, alfalfa, red beans, tea, carp, pheasant, and winter melon all have weight-loss effects.

Its effects are mild and it has few side effects, making it a recommended weight-loss food.

As Zhang Xichun, the author of "Medical Records of Integrating Chinese and Western Medicine," said: "When patients take it, it not only cures their illness but also satisfies their hunger; not only does it satisfy their hunger, but it is also palatable."

When used appropriately, it can gradually cure the disease. Its effects are mild and have few side effects, making it a recommended weight-loss food.

(1) Stir-fried radish with garland chrysanthemum: Ingredients: 200g white radish, 100g garland chrysanthemum, a little chicken broth.

Preparation: Cut the radish into strips and the chrysanthemum greens into sections.

First, heat 100 grams of vegetable oil in a pot, then add 20 peppercorns and fry until they are charred. Remove the peppercorns, then add white radish strips and stir-fry. Add a little chicken broth and stir-fry until 70% cooked. Add chrysanthemum greens and season with MSG and salt to taste.

Once cooked through, thicken with a thin cornstarch slurry. When the broth becomes clear, drizzle with a little sesame oil and it's ready to serve.

Efficacy: expectorant, relieves chest congestion, and aids in weight loss.

It is especially suitable for obese people with excessive phlegm, wheezing, and abdominal distension.

(2) Chicken and Winter Melon Soup with Codonopsis and Astragalus: Ingredients: 200g chicken breast, 30g each of Codonopsis and Astragalus, 200g winter melon slices.

Preparation: Cut chicken breast into strips and place it in a casserole dish with Codonopsis pilosula and Astragalus membranaceus. Add 500g of water and simmer over low heat until the chicken is 80% cooked. Add winter melon slices, season with salt, rice wine and MSG to taste, and cook until the winter melon is fully cooked.

Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen and replenishes qi, promotes weight loss.

Regular consumption of this product with meals can replenish deficiencies and aid in weight loss. It is especially suitable for those suffering from fatigue, drowsiness, poor appetite, loose stools, edema of the limbs, and facial swelling, with excellent therapeutic effects.

(3) Spicy Lamb Stir-fried with Scallions: Ingredients: 50g vegetable oil, 200g lean lamb, 10g ginger shreds, 100g scallions, a little Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers.

Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a pot, add Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers and fry until fragrant, then remove them. Add mutton, shredded ginger and shallots and stir-fry. Add appropriate amounts of salt, MSG, vinegar and Shaoxing wine. Cook until done and remove the sauce. Serve immediately.

Efficacy: Warming Yang and promoting diuresis, eliminating phlegm and relieving water retention.

It has a better weight loss effect on obese people with yang deficiency, who have cold limbs, aversion to cold, and edema.

(4) Salted Three Peels: Ingredients: 200g watermelon rind, 300g winter melon rind, 400g cucumber, salt and MSG as needed.

Preparation: Scrape off the waxy outer skin of the watermelon rind, scrape off the velvety outer skin of the winter melon rind, and remove the seeds from the cucumber. Wash all three ingredients thoroughly and cook them separately at different times. Let them cool, cut them into pieces, and place them in a container with appropriate amounts of salt and MSG.

It can be consumed after soaking for 12 hours.

Efficacy: Promotes diuresis and aids weight loss.

Suitable for those with obesity, difficulty urinating, and edema of the head, face, and limbs.

(5) Lotus Leaf Pork: Ingredients: 500g pork, 8 lotus leaves, 100g rice noodles, 300g sweet sauce, 10g minced ginger, 20g sugar, 20g soy sauce, 18g minced garlic, 85g fresh broth.

Preparation: Wash the pork and cut it into small cubes. Wash the lotus leaves and cut them into small pieces. Mix the soy sauce, cooking wine, minced ginger, sweet sauce, sugar, and minced garlic together. Mix the pork cubes with the mixture and let it sit for half an hour. Then add rice flour and broth and mix well. Wrap the pork slices in lotus leaves and place them in a bowl. Steam over high heat for 1-2 hours. Season to taste after cooking.

Efficacy: Relieves summer heat, clears heat, soothes the stomach, and relieves depression.

Suitable for people with obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

(6) Kelp and Black Fungus Stew: Ingredients: 250g fresh kelp, 20g dried black fungus, 100g celery, 12g vinegar, 4g salt, 3g MSG, 8g sugar, 10g scallion, 5g ginger, 20g cooking wine, 25g peanut oil.

Preparation: Wash the kelp and cut it into strips 1 cm wide. Blanch it in boiling water.

Soak and clean the black fungus.

Heat a wok over high heat, add peanut oil, sauté scallion whites and ginger, then add kelp and wood ear mushrooms. Add sugar, vinegar, salt, cooking wine, and a little vegetable broth, and simmer for half an hour. Add celery, season with MSG, and plate.

Efficacy: Reduces swelling, disperses blood stasis, aids weight loss and lowers blood pressure.

Suitable for people with arteriosclerosis, obesity, and constipation.

(7) Three-color glutinous rice: Ingredients: appropriate amounts of red beans and Job's tears, appropriate amounts of glutinous rice, winter melon seeds and cucumber.

Preparation: Wash the red beans and Job's tears with water and put them in a pot to steam for 20 minutes. Then add the washed glutinous rice and winter melon seeds and steam until cooked.

Sprinkle with diced cucumber after cooking and it's ready to eat.

Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen, promotes diuresis, and aids in weight loss.

Suitable for those with obesity and spleen deficiency with edema.

(8) Winter melon and rice porridge: Ingredients: 80-100g fresh winter melon, 100g rice.

Preparation: Peel and seed the winter melon, wash it, and cut it into small pieces.

Wash the rice thoroughly and place it in a clay pot with the winter melon. Cook it into a thin porridge and eat it for breakfast or dinner (do not add salt to the porridge).

Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen, promotes diuresis and reduces swelling, clears heat and quenches thirst, etc.

It can promote weight loss.

(9) Green-headed duck and red bean soup: Ingredients: one green-headed duck, 250 grams of red beans, one cardamom, appropriate amounts of salt and scallions.

Preparation: After killing the duck, remove the feathers and internal organs, wash it clean, rinse the red beans and remove the stems from the cardamom and wash them clean, put them into the duck's belly, cook until tender, add a little green onion, MSG and salt, and it is ready to eat.

Drinking soup and eating meat on an empty stomach can be served as a side dish.

Efficacy: This product has the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, clearing away turbidity, promoting diuresis and reducing swelling.

It can treat obesity.

(10) Lettuce salad: Ingredients: 250g lettuce, a little salt, MSG, cooking wine and sesame oil.

Preparation: Peel and wash the lettuce, cut it into thin strips, add a little salt, stir well to remove the juice, add seasonings and mix well, then it can be served as a side dish.

Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen and promotes urination; can treat obesity.

(11) Carp and Long Pepper Soup: Ingredients: 1000g fresh carp, 5g long pepper, 15g Sichuan pepper, appropriate amounts of ginger, coriander, cooking wine, scallions, MSG and vinegar.

Preparation: Remove the scales and internal organs from the carp, wash it and cut it into small pieces. Wash the ginger and scallions, crush them and cut them into sections.

Place the long pepper, carp, scallions, and ginger in an aluminum pot, add water, bring to a boil, and simmer over low heat for about 40 minutes.

Add cilantro, cooking wine, MSG, and vinegar to finish.

Efficacy: This product has diuretic and anti-edema effects and is used to treat obesity.

(12) Mushroom and Chicken Soup: Ingredients: 20g chicken broth, 10g wine, a little scallion, ginger, salt and sugar.

Preparation: Wash the shiitake mushrooms and soak them until soft.

Use a quarter of a young chicken to make chicken broth and set aside.

Pour the chicken broth into a large pot or bowl, and add shiitake mushrooms, wine, and salt.

Seal with paper, steam for 1 to 1.5 hours, then remove the paper and it is ready to eat.

Efficacy: This product has the effects of reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, anti-cancer, and weight loss.