Summer is a time when the body is easily dehydrated, hot and tired due to hot weather. Therefore, choosing nutritious green vegetables that have a cooling effect is very necessary.
Among them, pumpkin is an easy-to-find food but brings many health benefits. Not only does it help cool down, pumpkin also contains many nutrients that support blood supply and skin beauty, very suitable to add to the family menu in the summer days.
Winter melon contains a lot of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium and fiber. In particular, the iron and vitamin C content in winter melon play an important role in the blood production process. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron more effectively, thereby supporting the prevention of iron deficiency anemia.
In addition, the antioxidants in pumpkin also contribute to protecting skin cells from environmental impacts, helping the skin become brighter and healthier.
To maintain maximum nutritional value, housewives should choose young, fresh pumpkin leaves and process them properly.
One of the most popular dishes is boiled pumpkin. This simple processing method helps retain most of the vitamins and minerals in the vegetables. Boiled pumpkin water can also be used as soup, both refreshing and limiting nutrient loss.
Garlic stir-fried pumpkin is also a dish loved by many families. Garlic not only creates an attractive flavor but also supplements natural antibacterial compounds, helping to enhance resistance. When stir-frying, you should use a high heat, for a short time so that the vegetables retain their beautiful green color and natural crispness.
Another option is pumpkin soup cooked with shrimp or lean meat. This combination helps supplement protein, while increasing the amount of iron and amino acids needed for the body. This is a suitable dish for the elderly, women and children on hot sunny days.
What housewives must note is that pumpkin vegetables need to be washed and thoroughly pre-processed before processing to remove dirt and impurities. Do not cook for too long because it can lose part of the beneficial vitamins.