When was balsam pear introduced into China?

Balsam pear, also known as leprosy grape, cold gourd, etc., is an annual climbing plant of the balsam pear genus of Cucurbitaceae, widely cultivated in tropical to temperate regions of the world. It is widely cultivated in the north and south of our country. The fruit taste is sweet and bitter, the main vegetable, but also sugar stains. Mature pulp and aril are also edible. Let's take a look at when balsam pear was introduced into China.

When was balsam pear introduced into China?

Balsam pear originated in East India, but there was no record of balsam pear in China before the Ming Dynasty. It is generally believed that balsam pear was brought by Zheng he during his voyages to the West. Balsam pear was recorded in Xing Croucher Shengli written by Fei Xin of Zheng he. Balsam pear was listed as one of the famine relief crops in the same era of "famine Relief Materia Medica". But eating balsam pear was not popular at that time, and it did not become popular in the south until the middle of the Ming Dynasty.

Why is balsam pear bitter?

The bitter taste of balsam pear is caused by two substances, one is melons unique to melons, mainly in the form of glycosides, the other substance is called wild Fresh Cucumber Juice enzyme, if these two substances exist at the same time, there will be bitterness. In fact, these are plant-synthesized "natural pesticides" that are used to resist adverse environments such as diseases and insect pests.

What are the benefits of eating balsam pear?

1. Promote diet: balsam pear glycoside and bitter element in balsam pear can increase appetite, invigorate spleen and appetizer, and the alkaloid quinine is beneficial to promoting blood circulation, eliminating inflammation and fever, clearing heart and eyesight.

2. Anti-cancer and anti-cancer: balsam pear protein components and a large amount of vitamin C can improve the immune function of the body, so that immune cells have the effect of killing cancer cells, but also can strengthen the ability of macrophage.

3. Reduce blood sugar: the fresh juice of balsam pear contains balsam pear glycoside and substances similar to insulin, which have good hypoglycemic effect and can be said to be an ideal food for patients with diabetes.

4. Health care and beauty: in hot and dry summer, women often apply chilled balsam pear tablets, which can immediately relieve the dryness of the skin, and balsam pear can also moisturize, calm and moisturize the skin.

5, weight loss effect: balsam pear weight loss method needs to adhere to and need to eat at least two to three a day, while replenishing the necessary nutrition, simply eating balsam pear can not provide the necessary nutrition to the body, should be based on the principle of health.