In Traditional Chinese Medicine, good health is dependent upon eating a variety of foods. Specifically, eating the five flavors daily. The 5 flavors are: pungent, salty, sour, sweet, and bitter. Many Americans eat an excess of sweet flavored foods leading to congestion. The flavor that is often most missing is bitter.
Bitter tasting foods clear inflammation and damp/mucous accumulations. It is excellent for those who are overweight or suffer from acne for example. Examples of bitter foods are: turnips, romaine lettuce, and asparagus. Bitter Melon is one of the most bitter foods consumed regularly by people. It is an acquired taste but works amazingly well to detoxify the body and balance those who indulge in excesses of sweet foods.
A simple recipe for bitter melon is to stir fry it with eggs:
1. Slice the bitter melon in half and remove the seeds.
2. Slice into thin pieces.
3. Heat oil in a skillet.
4. Add bitter melon slices and eggs.
5. Stir until eggs are cooked.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Hi Lia Andrews, You learn something new every day. I haven't tried bitter melon myself ... yet. I actually enjoy bitter foods, but this isn't one I've run across. After doing a little research, I've learned that bitter melon is allegedly high in iron, has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and contain Vitamins A, C, B1 to B3, Phosphorus and good dietary fiber. Thanks for this great information. Does anyone else have any other recipes to share?
August 5, 2008 - 9:40amThis Comment