Winter melon has more than 90% water and contains very little natural sugar, making it a low-energy vegetable and fruit, suitable for people who need to control weight and metabolism.
According to nutritional studies, winter melon also provides vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium and some organic acids that play a role in regulating fat metabolism.
Winter melon contains many plant compounds such as flavonoids, saponins and polysaccharides that have antioxidant activity.
Some pharmacological studies show that these ingredients have the ability to neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress - an important factor in chronic liver damage.
Some other studies also recorded that winter melon extract can improve metabolic indicators in people with type 2 diabetes after 12 weeks of use, showing positive effects on the metabolic environment - a factor directly related to liver health.
Winter melon juice can support the liver through three main mechanisms:
First, reduce oxidative stress. The antioxidants in winter melon help neutralize free radicals, thereby limiting liver cell damage and reducing the risk of chronic inflammation.
Second, supports lipid and sugar metabolism. High water content and low energy help reduce metabolic load on the liver, especially in overweight or fatty liver people.
Third, increase kidney excretion. Winter melon has a mild diuretic effect, helping the body excrete products metabolized through urine, thereby reducing indirect pressure on the liver.
A simple, easy-to-do recipe at home: 300-400 g of fresh winter melon, peeled, gutted; 1 liter of water.
You can add a few slices of ginger to enhance the flavor and anti-inflammatory ability.
Winter melon is chopped, boiled for 15-20 minutes and then filtered to get water to drink. Do not add too much sugar, because excess sugar can cause fat accumulation in the liver.
Some people have a habit of cooking concentrated winter melon water and drinking it instead of filtered water. However, nutrition experts recommend drinking only 1-2 cups per day to avoid electrolyte imbalance due to mild diuretic effects.
Note that people with cold constitution, low blood pressure or frequent nighttime urination should limit drinking too much winter melon juice because of the cooling properties and diuretic effects of this fruit. Cook it thoroughly before drinking.
