In the scorching summer,the bitter gourdis one of the green health-preserving vegetables.The bitterness in bitter gourds is quinine, a type of alkaloid, which enhances appetite, promotes diuresis and blood circulation.It also has anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing effects, relieves fatigue, clears the heart, and improves vision.Bitter foods contain high amounts of amino acids; certain bitter foods are important sources of B-vitamins.B-vitamins have strong cytotoxicity against cancer cells.The total saponin components in bitter gourds have blood sugar lowering effects.Bitter gourds also contain a protein-lipid that enhances the body's immune function and has anti-cancer properties.Bitterness is its taste, and it is cool in nature.It enters the heart, spleen, stomach, liver, and lung meridians.Uncooked bitter gourd clears summer heat and reduces fire, purges heat and relieves annoyance.Cooked bitter gourd nourishes blood, tonifies liver, moistens spleen, and replenishes kidney.It can treat summer heat thirstiness, liver heat redness of the eyes, excessive heart fire, and heart annoyance.Sweet bitter gourd nourishes blood and benefits the liver, moistens the spleen, and replenishes the kidneys.It can treat summer heat thirstiness, liver heat redness of the eyes, excessive heart fire, and restlessness.