It is not hidden that bitter melon is generally consumed and is being used in the culinary field, but today, you will learn some of its benefits and usage.
Bitter melon is a green-skinned vegetable with a rough outer texture. It has white inner flesh and the taste goes by its name, "bitter". Unless you've grown up eating bitter melon in your daily diet, it may take a while to adjust to the taste of bitter gourd. Despite its bitter taste, bitter melon or bitter gourd has proven its healing effects to the people. Bitter melon is known for its properties that act as natural insulin which helps to lower the body's blood sugar.
Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 1 cup (94 grams) of raw Bitter Melon
Calories: 20
Carbs: 4 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Vitamin C: 93% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
Vitamin A: 44% of the RDI
Folate: 17% of the RDI
Potassium: 8% of the RDI
Zinc: 5% of the RDI
Iron: 4% of the RDI
Health Benefits:
1. Reduces blood sugar
Bitter melon is related to lowering the body's blood sugar level. This is because it has insulin-like properties and helps transport glucose to cells for energy. Eating bitter melon can help your cells use glucose and transfer it to the liver, muscle, and fat.
2. Has the potential to fight against cancer
Researches and laboratory studies have shown that bitter melon extract can kill some cancer cells, but it has not been studied in cancer patients. Small clinical trials have shown that bitter melon extract can lower blood sugar levels, but larger, better-designed clinical trials are needed to fully support this use.
3. Promotes heart's health
Bitter melon contains a variety of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It also helps lower bad cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
4. Reduces blood pressure
Bitter melon has anti-bile and calming properties which help to promote good internal health. Consumption of bitter melon as a juice will help in naturally reducing blood pressure.
Used as a Traditional Medicine:
#1 Natural insulin
The fresh juice from bitter melon will lower the blood sugar level. Make a juice from the bitter gourd and drink it once a day. Please do not forget to consult your doctor first before doing this especially when you are already taking medicines that will lower your blood sugar.
#2 Treats dyspepsia
The consumption of bitter gourd will treat dyspepsia. Bitter melon promotes the secretion of acid and helps in the improvement of digestion.
#3 Detoxifying agent
The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties present in bitter melon juice helps in treating skin problems, blood disorders, removing toxins from the blood, and purifying it.
#4 Prevents any fungal infection such as Psoriasis
Bitter gourd can improve your immunity and protect you from many diseases. Drinking bitter gourd juice can eliminate skin conditions like blemishes and acne. It is an excellent medicine for treating conditions such as itching, scabies, ringworm, boils, and other fungal infections.