Benefits of Bitter Melon or Bitter Gourd
Bitter melon, bitter gourd, balsam pear or bitter cucumber is the fruit of the momordica charantia plant. As its name suggests, is a bitter fruit. The fruit is normally oblong in shape with bumps. The fruit is normally stirred fry. The fruit extract is available as health supplement and tea. The leaves are also sometimes used to make tea and the seeds are also used as remedies for certain conditions and illness.
Bitter gourds contain many nutrients such as dietary fiber, the B vitamins, vitamin C, E and K. It contains minerals and among them are calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
Besides the nutrients mentioned above, bitter gourd contains glycosides such as saponin and lectins and polypeptides such as gurmarin which have shown to lower blood sugar level. Taking bitter melon extract as a daily supplement in the form of capsules may help, stimulate the body's natural insulin secretion and drop the glucose level within a normal range. This is one of the reasons why bitter gourd is sometimes referred to as the plant insulin and anti-diabetic herb.
In Ayurvedic medicine bitter gourd is used to purify blood, assists in digestion and stimulate the liver.
Some studies have shown that bitter gourd extract has the ability to fight the strains of herpes virus. A regular intake of this herbal supplement may help prevent the outbreak of cold sores. If it is taken at the onset of the symptoms of genital herpes such as itchiness and tingling, it may stop or shorten the viral infection.
Based on some studies, the balsam pear extract may increase T4 cell counts in AID patients. Some studies have shown that the compounds in bitter gourd have the potential to prevent the HIV to attack the immune system of patients.
A recent study conducted at the Department of Pathology at Saint Louis University indicated that bitter gourd extract has the ability to prevent breast cancer. According to the research, the active compounds in bitter cucumber were able to induce breast cancer cell death when tested on human breast cancer cells.
Its anti-viral properties are helpful in preventing or shortening the duration of the common cold and flu. It is also used as a remedy for cough and fever.
To make bitter melon tea, boil a few dried leaves for about 15 minutes and then leave it to brew. Add honey to taste. It's helpful if you have digestive problems and constipation and to reduce fever.
You can also use bitter gourd tea as a compress to treat hemorrhoids and wounds. Soak a clean cloth and wring it and then place on the affected area. Another option to treat hemorrhoid or piles is adding the tea to your sitz bath. It will help soothe the inflammation.
What Do You Think?
Do you have something to say or add to this article? Share it!
Return from Health Benefits of Bitter Melon or Bitter Gourd to the iBenefits home
Subscribe
