Bitter gourd contains phytotoxin alkali glycosides, fried its toxicity is not easy to decompose, a small amount of accidental consumption can cause poisoning. The symptoms of bitter gourd poisoning in 1~2 hours after eating will appear, light manifestation of dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, drowsiness, the heavier will appear abdominal pain, diarrhea, dehydration and bloody stools and other symptoms, and even life-threatening.

Gourd is divided into two kinds of sweet and bitter, sweet gourd is very nutritious, gourd is high in nutritional value when it is young, after maturity the nutrients are significantly reduced, it is recommended to consume it when it is young. Because of its high water and vitamin and mineral content and low calorie, it is very popular. Gourd can be sautéed, braised, made into soups and stuffed, such as gourd scrambled eggs, gourd shrimp skin soup, gourd stuffed dumplings, etc., are all good dishes.

Extended Information

Gourd and cucurbits have a role to play in the growth and development of the organism and the maintenance of physiological functions of the organism, but their nutritional value is lower compared to other vegetables. However, they both contain an interferon inducer, which can stimulate the body to produce interferon, improve the body's immune ability, play an anti-virus and tumor and role. Therefore, gourd and cucurbit are as suitable for general consumption.

Gourd is a temperature-loving plant. Growing temperature 20 ~ 25 ℃. Cultivation is generally first seedlings, and then planted into the open ground. Not tolerate flooding, drought, in rainy areas should pay attention to drainage, drought should be timely irrigation.

Reference? People's Daily Online - eating gourd will be poisoned? It turns out just bitter gourd can not eat

Reference? Baidu Encyclopedia - Gourd