Just a few days ago, we celebrated the festival of Lixia, which marks the beginning of summer. Lixia is the 7th solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar and represents the official start of the hot summer season. In the book "Annotations on the 72 Solar Terms," it is described as follows: "Lixia is a festival in April. The character 'li' refers to the end of spring. 'Xia' means fake. At this time, everything appears to be in full bloom."
After Lixia, everything in the world becomes lush and vibrant. Along with the summer rains, the temperature also rises. Whether in the south or north, watermelon is probably the most popular fruit during the summer. Of course, watermelon also makes a shining appearance. People enjoy watermelon in various ways, but in my opinion, the most refreshing way to eat watermelon in summer is to have it chilled.
During those hot days with temperatures reaching thirty to forty degrees Celsius, taking out a half-chilled watermelon from the refrigerator and devouring it quickly is simply exhilarating... you just can't stop! However, I must warn you that eating chilled watermelon in summer can have more harmful effects than you think. Watermelon contains a high amount of sugar, so when you cut open a watermelon and store it in the refrigerator, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Some may question if using cling wrap can help. Let me remind you again that cling wrap not only fails to inhibit bacterial growth but also provides a better environment for them to thrive.
The most common harm caused by indulging in chilled watermelon, besides damaging the spleen and stomach, is that it can easily cause loss of appetite, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea, especially for the elderly with reduced digestive function. Those with weak spleen and stomach or poor digestion should also consume less chilled watermelon, as it can cause abdominal distension, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.
In addition, eating chilled watermelon can also cause pharyngitis or toothache. Watermelon is cool in nature and sweet in taste. When it is chilled at low temperatures, the moisture inside the fruit often forms ice crystals. When consumed, the sudden stimulation in the mouth can rapidly cool the salivary glands, taste buds in the tongue, and periodontal nerves, sometimes even causing numbness. This not only diminishes the crisp and sweet taste of the watermelon but also irritates the throat, leading to adverse reactions such as pharyngitis or toothache. Moreover, the real harm of chilled watermelon lies in its cold and damp nature. Watermelon itself is cool in nature, and refrigeration adds even more coldness. Overindulgence in chilled watermelon will inevitably lead to an excessive accumulation of coldness in the body. This is especially important for women. In traditional Chinese culture, men are associated with yang, while women are associated with yin. Women naturally have a heavier yin nature, and if they indulge in coldness by wearing fewer clothes and consuming cold foods, it is no wonder that many women suffer from dysmenorrhea, cold uterus, and cold hands and feet during the winter season.
The harm of eating chilled watermelon in summer is beyond imagination. Watermelon itself is cool in nature, and when it is chilled, it becomes even colder. Therefore, it is recommended to buy and consume watermelon in moderation, preferably without chilling it. If you really want to chill it, please refrain from cutting it open and wait a few minutes before eating.
