Bitter melon is perhaps the most bitter of all vegetables. Bitter melon is member of the squash family, native to southern China. Bitter melon is consumed by millions of people around the world in the Far East as well as in many Central and South American and Caribbean countries. Bitter melon is rich in iron, and has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and contains vitamins B and C. Its bitterness comes from the high concentration of quinine. Bitter Melon, also known as Bitter Gourd and Karela, has been traditionally used to regulate blood sugar levels. Bitter Melon’s powerful insulin lowering properties are currently being looked at as an effective treatment for Diabetes. Studies suggest that Bitter Melon may play a role in controlling the production of insulin by the body, thus promoting blood sugar control. The hypoglycemic effect is more pronounced in the fruit of Bitter Melon where these chemicals are found in the highest quantity. Some of the documented studies show this bitter gourd to enhance cells’ uptake of glucose, to promote insulin release, and to make the effect of insulin more potent. In Ayurvedic medicine, Bitter Melon is seen as a “plant-insulin”, and some studies show that, if administered correctly, it can behave similarly to slow-acting animal insulin. The Department of Health in the Philippines has recommended bitter melon as one of the best herbal medicines for diabetic management. Together Huereque and Bitter Melon is a strong combination against high blood sugar levels. Read more!
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