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5 Fantastic Bitter Melon Health Benefits

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Bitter melon has been used for centuries in both traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines, and its benefits, long ascribed to by these populations, have even been backed up by modern medical science.

We have 5 good reasons to try it out in some delicious bitter melon recipes, but before adding bitter melon to your daily regimen, be sure to speak with a doctor about any unique health concerns.

1. Lower Blood Sugar

Bitter melon is used by many with blood sugar issues, including diabetes, to manage blood sugar by increasing the metabolism of glucose.

“Bitter melon contains a chemical that acts like insulin to help reduce blood sugar levels,” explains NY Health and Wellness Nutrition Director Jacqui Justice, M.S., C.N.S. She does, however, caution that when using bitter melon for this purpose, it’s important to monitor your blood sugar, because, like many foods that manage hyperglycemia, it can have a hypoglycemic effect, especially when taken too frequently or without food. Be sure to speak with your doctor before introducing bitter melon into your regimen.

2. Lose Weight

Bitter melon’s metabolism of sugars also makes it an effective weight loss tool, according to Justice.

A study published in March 2008 in Chemistry & Biology found that compounds in bitter melon activate an enzyme, AMPK, that transports glucose into the cells. This is the same enzyme activated by exercise, so supplementing your workout routine with bitter melon can give weight management issues a one-two punch.

3. Soothe Digestive Disorders

Justice explains that bitter melon can be used to soothe a variety of digestive disorders, including ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. A 2009 study even showed that bitter melon can help increase the healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers, so consider bitter melon as a supplement if you are plagued with stomach or digestive issues.

4. Fight Cancer

The effects of bitter melon on fighting and preventing cancer have been widely studied. A 2016 study in Oncotarget found that bitter melon extract could inhibit tumor growth in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and a 2015 study in Integrative Cancer Therapies showed that its natural activation of AMPK inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer cells.

However, naturopathic doctor Serena Goldstein notes that it can interact with chemo drugs for radiation and cancer, so be sure to check with your doctor if you are undergoing cancer treatment.

5. Nourish Your Liver

Bitter melon has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to cleanse the liver. A 2015 study in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine verified these claims, showing that bitter melon’s antioxidant properties allowed it to modulate inflammation and fibrosis in the liver.

Bitter melon’s liver nourishing properties can even reduce the eventuality of certain skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and eczema, according to Goldstein. Dr. Judith Pentz, M.D., explains, “Bitter melons great for cleansing the liver, and when you cleanse the liver your skin will glow.”

Bonus Recipe: Bitter Melon Juice and Bitter Melon Tea

While many people come to enjoy the bitterness of bitter melon recipes, some find that no matter how they try, they just can’t get on board with its distinct flavor. But this doesn’t mean you can’t reap the benefits. Bitter melon juice and bitter melon tea are both great options for increasing your intake of bitter melon without all that bitter flavor.

Bitter melon tea is similar to green tea in flavor and can be found in most Asian markets. Drinking a cup in the morning and a cup in the evening is often enough to take advantage of its myriad health benefits.

You can also juice bitter melon for a quick shot of its health benefits. Drink it plain as a juice shot, or mix it into a juice or smoothie with mango, pomegranate, or another strongly-flavored fruit to help it go down a bit more easily.

 

References: http://www.organicauthority.com/ by Emily Monaco



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