"Bitter Melon_ a Bitter-Sweet Solution: Nutritional Benefits, Uses, Side Effects and Diabetes Management"

 

"Bitter Melon_ a Bitter-Sweet Solution: Nutritional Benefits, Uses, Side Effects and Diabetes Management"

 

Introduction

Medicinal plants are widely utilized as a form of alternative therapy and to prevent, treat, and cure illnesses. Because of their bioactive components, a wide range of medicinal plants and their varied compounds have been employed in several cultures. Since ancient times, medical plants with a variety of bioactive components have been used historically to treat a wide range of human health conditions, including diabetes, cancer, and coronary heart disease.

Bitter melon Momordica charantia Linn, a type of such vegetable plant that is frequently used for medicinal purposes, is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. It derives its name from the flavour. As it ripens, the bitterness increases. It goes by the names balsam pear, bitter melon, bitter gourd, karela, and kugua. And it is a typical and conventional dish in Asian cooking.

Bitter Melon Plant Nutritional Characteristics:

Bitter melon is a fruit that may be nutrient-rich and contains a lot of bioactive chemicals, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that have shown remarkable adaptability in treating a variety of medical conditions. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners employ it as a treatment since it is renowned for regulating the body's blood glucose level. But, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve of the use of bitter melon in the treatment of diabetes or any other medical condition.

 

Bioactive elements found in bitter melon, including alkaloids, vicine, steroids, charantin, and specific protein types (P-insulin, V-insulin), are what cause the hypoglycemic reaction.

 

The fruit of immature bitter melons has a healthy amount of vitamin C as well as concentrated amounts of iron, phosphate, and vitamin A. Numerous phytochemicals including multiflorenol, momordolol, momordin, momordicinin, momordicins, momordicilin, momordenol, momorcharins, goyasaponins, goya-glycosides, gentisic acid, galacturonic acids, erythrodiol, elaeostearic acids, diosgenin, cycloartenols, cucurbitins,cucurbitanes, cucurbitacins, cryptoxanthin, chorine andcharantin have been extracted. These substances give the plant's components a yellow tint.

 

Thiamine, beta-carotene, folate, riboflavin, calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and dietary fiber are just a few of the micronutrients that the bitter gourd is rich in. Regular consumption of bitter gourd juice improves physical stamina and lessens chronic fatigue. This bitter gourd's beta-carotene concentration helps to treat eye disorders and enhances vision.

Alkaloids, fixed oil, free acids, glycosides, phenolic chemicals, reducing sugars, resins, and saponins are all present in bitter melon fruits. Fruit pulp contains significant amounts of soluble pectin with pectic acid. Along with significant amounts of vitamins C, A, and E, the fruit is a fantastic source of vitamins B.

 

It is also a rich source of minerals such as zinc, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Leaves are also nourishing and reported as a source of many minerals including 3% iron, 1% calcium, 5% phosphorus, 7%potassium and 4% magnesium. Leaves have a good concentration of several vitamins including vitamin B, thiamine 4%, riboflavin 4%, niacin 2%, vitamin B6 3% and folate 13%. The calorific value of the leaf is 213.26Kcal/100 g.

 

Cultivation

India, China, Japan, Malaya, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Colombia, Brazil, the Amazon, Cuba, East Africa, Haiti, Ghana, Mexico, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, the Middle East, Central America, and South America are just a few of the nations where bitter gourd  is commonly grown.

 

 

How to Eat Bitter Melon: Simple Ways to Do It

1. Smoothie with bitter melon

Blend bitter melon, spinach, cucumber, and a tiny bit of lemon juice to make a healthy smoothie. This cool beverage is a wonderful accompaniment to breakfast or a snack for the middle of the day.

 

 

2. Stir-Fried Bitter Melon

Combine bitter melon with tofu, bell peppers, and other vibrant veggies in your go-to stir-fry recipes. The fruit's bitterness gives the meal a distinctive flavor profile.

 

3. Juice from a bitter melon

Consider juicing bitter melon with other fruits and vegetables to make a strong elixir rich in necessary nutrients if you prefer a more concentrated version.

Investigating the Potential Benefits of Bitter Melon

Ø It might be a protective agent.

Ø It may have hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) properties.

Ø It might possess antibacterial (kills bacteria) or antiviral (kills viruses) properties.

Ø It might have anti-cancer potential and anti-diarrheal properties.

 

v Blood Sugar Management

There may be substances in bitter melon that can help reduce blood sugar. But it could harm your health if you consume too much of it or while you're also taking certain medications. Bioactive substances found in bitter melon, including vicine, polypeptide-p, and charantin, are thought to have anti-diabetic potential. These substances may improve insulin sensitivity and promote glucose absorption, assisting in better blood sugar regulation.

 

v Antioxidant Capabilities

Increased oxidative stress, which causes cell damage, is frequently linked to diabetes. Vitamins C and E are among the many antioxidants found in bitter melon, which can be used to combat damaging free radicals and lessen oxidative stress. You may lessen the oxidative harm caused by diabetes by include bitter melon in your diet.

v Decreased Inflammation

Another characteristic of diabetes and its effects is chronic inflammation. Anti-inflammatory elements found in bitter melon may aid in lowering inflammatory markers in the body. This might reduce some of the inflammatory reactions related to diabetes.

 

The effects of bitter melon on blood sugar levels have been studied extensively, and the findings are encouraging.

What the science says regarding diabetes and bitter melon

The consumption of bitter melon may help reduce blood sugar levels. This is so that glucose may be brought into the cells for energy since the bitter melon possesses elements that function similarly to insulin.

Consuming bitter melon can facilitate the movement of glucose from your bloodstream to your muscles, liver, and fat. By preventing the conversion of nutrients into glucose that enters your bloodstream, the melon may also be able to assist your body in retaining nutrients.

Despite the fact that there is evidence that bitter melon can control blood sugar, it is not a recognized treatment or prescription for prediabetes or diabetes.

Diabetes and bitter melon have been the subject of several investigations. The majority advise performing further research before utilizing any melon type for the treatment of diabetes.

Here are two Researches that talk about diabetes and bitter melon:

    A Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews report: More research is required, according to Trusted Source, to assess the impact of bitter melon on type 2 diabetes. It also emphasized the necessity for additional study on its potential application in nutrition therapy.

    Journal of Ethno pharmacology research: The efficiency of bitter melon and a popular diabetes medication were compared by Trusted Source. The results of the study showed that consumption of bitter melon did lower fructosamine levels in those with type 2 diabetes. But compared to a lower dose of the already-approved drug, it did so less successfully.

 

Currently, there is no accepted medical method of using bitter melon to treat diabetes. You can consume bitter melon as part of a balanced diet. Beyond your dinner plate, consuming bitter melon could be dangerous.

 

Negative effects

Bitter melon may be safe to consume when taken orally for up to four months. Some people may have stomach distress from eating bitter melon. The long-term safety of bitter melon use cannot be determined from the available reliable evidence.

There isn't enough trustworthy data to determine the safety of using bitter melon topically. It could result in a rash.

Summary: As a supplemental therapy for diabetic management, bitter melon exhibits promising promise. The active ingredients in bitter melon, together with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, imply that it might be a good complement to a diabetes diet. However, it's important to keep in mind that managing diabetes calls for a multifaceted strategy, and bitter melon shouldn't take the place of prescribed medicine or lifestyle changes. Before introducing bitter melon into your diabetes control strategy, as with any alternative medication, speak with a healthcare practitioner. Bitter melon may provide helpful assistance in your quest for better diabetes control and general wellbeing if you approach it the proper way.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1. Can diabetes drugs be totally replaced with bitter melon?

The answer is no, bitter melon shouldn't take the place of diabetes medication. It might be used as a complimentary therapy, but for tailored guidance, it's important to speak with a healthcare expert.

 

 

2. Is bitter melon safe for pregnant women to eat?

Bitter melon supplements should be avoided by expectant mothers since it may harm the developing foetus. Before introducing any supplements to your diet during pregnancy, always get medical advice.

 

3. Is bitter melon suitable for all ages?

Despite the fact that bitter melon is generally safe, some people may get sick or develop allergies. Before using bitter melon, consult a healthcare expert if you have any questions.

 

4. How frequently should I eat bitter melons?

Each person consumes bitter melon at a different frequency. Start out slowly and pay attention to how your body reacts. To find the ideal dosage for you, speak with a medical expert.