Bitter Melon Benefits: Nutrition: Diabetes

Bitter melon which is also called as bitter gourd has a very high nutritional value. The plant is a climber whose fruits are green in color. The fruit contains iron, calcium, beta-carotene and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C. It does not contain cholesterol and fats. It has been used in traditional medicine in several countries like India, China, Malaysia and also in African countries. The fruit and seeds are very bitter to taste. Bitter melon benefits are quite numerous. Some of the benefits bitter melon include digestion improvement and blood sugar lowering properties.

Source: H.Zell: Wikimedia Commons

Bitter Melon for Diabetes

Bitter melon benefits include blood sugar lowering properties. It is a very good natural remedy for diabetes. It increases insulin production and glucose tolerance of the body.  It also helps to reduce the absorption of sugar. It should be included in the diabetic diet as it blocks the sugar absorption. It also helps to reduce weight. 

Bitter Melon Nutrition

Bitter melon is a highly nutritious food. It is rich in iron and dietary fiber. It contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorous vitamin A, B1 and B3. it also contains folate. It is a very good source of vitamin C,  an antioxidant and has anti-aging properties. 

Bitter Melon Digestion

Bitter melon benefits include improved digestion. It is a very good remedy for people suffering from constipation.

Eating Bitter Melon

It is difficult to eat bitter melon as it is very bitter. It can be consumed in the form of capsules and tincture.

Bitter Melon Tea

Bitter melon tea can be prepared using the leaves of the plant

- Dry the leaves and store it in an airtight container.

- Add 3 tbsp of leaves to half a liter of water and boil it.

- Strain the tea after it cools down

- Divide it into three parts and drink it thrice in a day.

Bitter Melon Juice

The bitterness of the bitter melon juice can be reduced by combining with other fruits to prepare juice which would be more palatable.

Bitter Melon with Lemon.

The tangy taste of lemon combines well with bitter melon to reduce its bitterness. Squeeze half a lemon to a glass of the juice. Add some sugar if you are not a diabetic. You will get all its health benefits with less bitterness.

Bitter Melon Tomato Juice

Remove the skin and seeds. Chop it into small pieces and put it in a blender. Cut two tomatoes into pieces and add them. Add a green chili and blend it well before drinking it. Tomatoes and chilies help to reduce the bitterness.

Drinking bitter melon tea and juice helps diabetic patients.

Other Health Benefits

- Bitter melon has anti-malaria properties and is useful in treating malaria

- Its leaves are useful in shrinking hemorrhoids

- The leaves also help to prevent cold and congestion

- With its anti microbial properties it helps to treat wounds and get rid of round worms.

These are some of the benefits of bitter melon.