Bitter melon, also known as bitter melon and Chinese condemnor, has come to be a plant widely utilized as a treatment for ailments of all sorts. It is popular in Asia for its multiple health benefits. Its consistency is similar to that of cucumber, although much more bitter, as the name implies. Here we present some of the characteristics of this strange fruit, which is gaining place throughout the world.
The bitter melon’s properties can help prevent and combat different health problems. This tea has been popularized in Africa, in Asia and Latin America because it has been shown that frequent consumption could reduce blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes, to the point that several studies have called it the vegetable insulin
The bitter melon and its benefits
- Stimulates digestion and peristalsis of food through the intestine until it is excreted from the body. Therefore, it helps relieve problems of indigestion and constipation.
- It is used as a powerful home remedy against diabetes, as it is one of the most potent hypoglycemic agents that exist, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
- The juice of the leaves is also suitable for preventing and decreasing cough, fever, and intestinal worms. Reportedly, it is also used to treat infertility in women and relieve liver problems.
- It can eliminate free radicals in the body and protect the body from infections that can cause tissue and organ damage.
- It is an excellent source of flavonoids such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zea-xanthine. It also contains a good amount of vitamin A. Together. These compounds act by offering protection against free radicals that play a role in aging, cancer, and various diseases.
How to prepare bitter melon tea?
Add 1-2 tablespoons of bitter melon powder (extracted from the stems and leaves of the plant) in a liter of boiling water. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Bitter melon can also be taken in capsule form.
Tip: it is recommended to drink a glass of bitter melon juice, combined with lemon juice and honey, to improve skin conditions, such as acne, for example.
Melon tea for diabetes
The consumption of bitter melon tea is advisable to cure or prevent blood sugar imbalances, such as diabetes. Its high antioxidant content can reduce blood sugar levels, which makes it a perfect ally for type 2 diabetes diseases.
Researchers have shown that bitter melon helps improve metabolic problems thanks to its effects on glucose metabolism.
Melon tea to fight cancer
After several related investigations between the properties of bitter melon tea and cancer, it has been determined that this vegetable has anti-cancer benefits that can inhibit breast cancer growth, among many others.
The bitter melon extract can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, thanks to its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help protect the body’s cells and reduce problems caused by free radicals, from contamination, poor diet, environmental toxins, or cigarette smoke, for example. To conclude, the high antioxidant content of bitter melon increases immune activity significantly.
Other benefits of bitter melon
Bitter melon is a rich source of antioxidants such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. It also contains a good amount of vitamin C, which, like the rest of antioxidants, protects the body from free radicals and prevents premature aging of other diseases.
The consumption of bitter melon also stimulates digestive health, since it stimulates the digestion and peristalsis of food through the intestine until they are completely expelled from the body.
This is the reason why bitter melon also helps fight constipation and indigestion problems. In India, bitter melon has become popular as a treatment to fight infections, skin problems, and even herpes.