Eat Less Watermelon and More of This in Summer—Just a Few Bucks per Pound, Boosts Digestion and Immunity, Doubles Nutrition When Eaten This Way

As the hottest days of summer arrive, the air feels like boiling water, thick and sticky, wrapping around you. Households everywhere are stocked with chilled watermelon, and a single bite certainly quenches thirst. But did you know? Eating too much of this extremely cooling fruit can lead to stomach upset and loss of appetite for those with weak digestion, ultimately harming the body’s foundational health.

This is when the humble pumpkin in the corner of your kitchen should take center stage! Costing just a few dollars per pound, it’s affordable, mildly sweet, and neither too cooling nor too drying. It gently nourishes the stomach and spleen, which may be worn out by the summer heat, while quietly boosting immunity. Today, we’ll introduce three simple and delicious ways to enjoy pumpkin, effortlessly incorporating its soothing benefits into your summer meals.

1. Pumpkin and Fox Nut (Gorgon Seed) Soup: A Helping Hand for Digestion

Ingredients & Steps:

1. Half a small pumpkin (about 200g), washed, seeded, and cut into chunks (no need to peel).

2. A small handful of dried fox nuts (about 20-30g), rinsed briefly.

3. Add 800-1000ml of water to a pot, then add the pumpkin and fox nuts. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the pumpkin is soft and the fox nuts turn tender.

4. For a sweeter taste, add a small piece of rock sugar (or a few goji berries) and simmer for another 5 minutes. Let it cool slightly before drinking the broth—the soft pumpkin and fox nuts can also be eaten.

This subtly sweet soup is like a "warm hug" for your digestive system in the summer! Fox nuts are excellent for strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness, while pumpkin provides gentle nourishment, comforting a stomach that may have been upset by humidity and cold drinks. Sipping this warm broth soothes the belly, helps eliminate excess dampness, and naturally lifts your energy.

2. Pumpkin Rice Porridge: Comfort in a Bowl

Ingredients & Steps:

1. A small piece of pumpkin (about 150g), peeled, seeded, and diced. Half a cup of rice, rinsed.

2. Combine the rice and pumpkin in a pot with water (about 6-8 times the volume of the rice and pumpkin).

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Once the rice has bloomed and the pumpkin has melted into the porridge, creating a thick, fragrant texture, it’s ready. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving for extra aroma.

This porridge tastes like home—a gentle, comforting embrace for your digestive system. The natural sweetness of pumpkin blends perfectly with the rice, creating a light yet satisfying dish. Rice strengthens the spleen and stomach, while pumpkin enhances the benefits. Enjoy it in the morning or as a light dinner when appetite is low, warming and soothing your entire digestive tract.

3. Pumpkin, Red Date, and Oatmeal Porridge: A Nutrient Powerhouse

Ingredients & Steps:

1. A small piece of pumpkin (about 100g), peeled, seeded, and diced or thinly sliced. 5-6 red dates, pitted (to avoid overheating). Half a cup of quick oats (about 40-50g).

2. Bring about 500ml of water to a boil, then add the pumpkin and dates. Simmer for 5-8 minutes until the pumpkin softens.

3. Stir in the oats and cook for another 3-5 minutes until thickened. For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk before serving.

This porridge is a "mini energy bomb" for summer mornings! Oats are packed with fiber and protein, keeping you full for hours. Red dates add natural sweetness and help replenish vitality, while pumpkin provides beta-carotene to strengthen immunity. One bowl delivers lasting energy, making it perfect for busy mornings when you need a nutritious, no-fuss meal.

The wisdom of healthy living often lies in simple, everyday choices. Next time you go grocery shopping, remember to pick up a pumpkin. Small in size but mighty in benefits, let it keep your digestion warm and your body strong this summer!

(Additional note: Pumpkins are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium and fiber, making them an excellent addition to a balanced diet. Their antioxidants support skin health, especially under harsh summer sun. Try roasting pumpkin seeds for a crunchy, protein-rich snack—another way to maximize this versatile vegetable!)

By incorporating these pumpkin-based dishes into your routine, you’ll not only beat the summer heat but also nourish your body from within. Enjoy the season with a happy, healthy gut!