Bitter Melon Health Benefits

Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, has been used in Asian, specially Indian cooking since a long time. This vegetable belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is known with different names all over the world. The plant of bitter melon is a climber having dark green leaves and yellow or green fruits. Specially, bitter melon seeds and fruits have great nutritional value. Bitter melon nutritional facts say that it contains nearly all the essential nutrients required by human beings. Bitter melon contains iron, calcium, potassium, beta-carotene, vitamin B1, B2, B3 and also vitamin C. Another bright fact about bitter melon is that it contains 0% fat and cholesterol. Ahead, we shall have a look at the health benefits of bitter melon. Read more on growing bitter melon plants.

Bitter Melon Health Benefits

• Bitter melon is also found to be effective in treating skin diseases or skin infections, eczema, and even skin sores.
• Bitter melon has anti-viral properties and can be used for treating herpes virus.
• One of the other important bitter melon extract benefits is that it can also be used for treating psoriasis.
• It is also used as an purgative and anthelmintic if a person is suffering from jaundice, piles or indigestion. It is widely used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Bitter melon is most effective for its detoxifying and cleansing properties.
• Bitter melon helps in lowering blood pressure, blood sugar and also body temperature.
• It is believed that bitter melon extract can be used for treating HIV, although the theory is not proved yet. But it is found that bitter melon works against the negative reactions of HIV medications.
• It is even believed that bitter melon extract can be used against cancer, as it helps in improving cell function of people suffering from cancer.

Bitter Melon and Diabetes

One of the most important bitter melon health benefits is its effectiveness for diabetics. Bitter melon has been known as an excellent and natural product for diabetes. People suffering from diabetes do not have an ability to convert the sugar in their blood into energy. Bitter melon helps in enabling the uptake of glucose, and hence, indirectly helps in reducing the level of glucose from the blood. Bitter melon also helps in improving insulin production and glucose tolerance of the body, and hence, it can be included in a diabetic diet.

Intake of Bitter Melon

Bitter melon cannot be taken in its raw form as it is extremely bitter in taste. Many people prefer to take bitter melon extract in capsule or tincture form. One can even have bitter melon juice, and even bitter melon soups are also popular options if you have been advised to have certain amount of bitter melon everyday. You can even look for bitter melon tea which may be available with the leading herbal tea brands. You can even make your own bitter melon tea by boiling leaves of bitter melon into water and drinking this liquid as tea. You may also find delicious bitter melon recipes in world cuisines like Indian food, Chinese food and Thai food.

Although there are several bitter melon health benefits, it is not recommended to take it in excess amounts as it can lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea. Excess intake of bitter melon seeds can also result in headache and fever. Pregnant women or a wishful mother-to-be are also advised against having bitter melon. Any supplement or medication containing bitter melon should be taken only after a doctor's consultation

As the numerous bitter melon health benefits have been known since ages, bitter melon is widely used in many countries. Although bitter in taste, it is a boon for mankind!