You may get a lot of the vital nutrients you need from bitter melon, also called bitter gourd. Vitamin C is an essential element involved in disease prevention, bone development, and wound healing, and only 100 grams of raw bitter melon have 99% of the daily value (DV). Vitamin A, found in abundance in this food, is essential for maintaining healthy skin and eyes.
Minerals like potassium, zinc, and iron may be found in bitter melon in trace amounts, and it’s also rich in anti-oxidant substances including catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin, and chlorogenic acid.
This unusual vegetable is a great addition to your diet since it is low in calories and high in fiber, providing around 8 percent of your daily fiber requirements in a single cup (94 gram) amount.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 17 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 0.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.7g |
| Fiber | 2.8g |
| Vitamin C | 84mg |
| Vitamin A | 471 IU |
| Folate | 72mcg |
| Calcium | 19mg |
| Iron | 0.43mg |
| Magnesium | 16mg |
| Potassium | 296mg |
Supports diabetes management
Due to its insulin-like qualities, bitter melon has received a lot of interest as a possible treatment for diabetes. As a result, glucose may enter cells to be used as fuel, which aids in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Alam MA et al. (2015), for example, found that supplementation with bitter melon may be useful in combating obesity and the consequences associated with metabolic syndrome. In addition, the hypoglycemic impact of bitter melon was shown to be on par with metformin in treating individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, according to research by Fuangchan A et al. (2011). There is preliminary evidence that bitter melon may help diabetics control their condition, but additional study is needed to confirm this.
Contains Antioxidants
Antioxidants are essential for general health and disease prevention, and bitter melon is a great source of these compounds. Half a cup of fresh bitter gourd has around 43% of the daily value for vitamin C, making it a very nutrient-dense vegetable. Antioxidants like these aid in ridding the body of inflammation and oxidative stress by eliminating the free radicals that cause them. Catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin, and chlorogenic acid are other powerful antioxidants that may be found in bitter melon. You may protect your cells from injury and improve your health by adding bitter melon to your diet.
May have cancer-fighting properties
The possible cancer-fighting qualities of bitter melon, a perennial plant found in many different locations, have been the subject of much study. Lab studies show that bitter melon extracts may kill particular cancer cells, as reported by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; nevertheless, there is a dearth of human research to validate this effect. Contrarily, PMC cites research showing that the extracts may limit cancer cell development by triggering apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. There are a number of bioactive chemicals present in bitter melon, and these compounds have powerful biological activity that may help in the fight against cancer. To prove its usefulness in cancer patients, however, further study is required.
Promotes heart health
The risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular complications is raised when there is a buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries due to high cholesterol levels. Researchers have shown that bitter melon may help keep the heart healthy. There is preliminary evidence from animal and human research that bitter melon extract may lower cholesterol levels and benefit heart health. One study demonstrated that, compared to a placebo, the administration of a water-soluble extract of bitter melon dramatically reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. As a result of its high fiber, vitamin C, and calcium content, bitter melon has been linked to improved heart health in addition to other health advantages.
Low in calories, high in fiber
Bitter melon, sometimes called balsam pear or karela, is a fruit with several uses in traditional Asian medicine due to its high nutrient content. It’s low in calories and high in beneficial nutrients. Some salient features are as follows:
- A 100-gram serving of bitter melon has just 17 calories, making it a great food option for dieters and health-conscious people.
- Half of the carbs in a bitter melon come from its high fiber content (around 2.5 grams).
- The high fiber content makes food easier to digest, controls blood sugar, and makes you feel full so you don’t overeat.
- Vitamins A, C, and the B-complex, as well as iron, zinc, potassium, manganese, and magnesium, are among the many vitamins and minerals found in bitter melon.
Diets that include bitter melon are often low in calories and high in nutrients, making them ideal for improving overall health.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Although bitter melon may have some positive health advantages, it is important to note that it is not without possible drawbacks. When used in moderation as part of a healthy diet, it is typically safe. Nevertheless, some individuals may experience stomach discomfort or diarrhea if they use it excessively. Because of the presence of compounds that may be harmful to an unborn child, pregnant women should also avoid eating bitter melon. In addition, the fruit may disrupt blood sugar management before, during, and after surgery, so it’s best to cut it down or stop eating it altogether two weeks before going under the knife. Before adding bitter melon to your diet, particularly if you are already on other drugs, check with your doctor.
Safe for short-term use
There is growing interest in the potential health advantages of bitter melon (Momordica charantia), which has a long history of usage as a traditional remedy for diabetes. For short-term usage, especially up to 4 months, bitter melon has been shown to be safe by scientific studies. Yet there is a lack of quality data on its long-term safety. It’s important to keep in mind that some people may have adverse effects, including nausea. To get the most out of bitter melon and minimize the risk of side effects, eat it in moderation and talk to a doctor before taking it as a supplement or as part of a regular routine.
Avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Expectant and nursing mothers should use extreme care before consuming bitter melon. There is some concern that compounds in bitter melon might damage a developing embryo if consumed during pregnancy. Pregnant women should stay away from it as a precaution. Moreover, there is a lack of quality data on the safety of bitter melon for nursing moms. It is advised that they refrain from taking it as a precaution during this period. To safeguard the safety and well-being of both mother and child, pregnant and nursing women should talk to their doctor before ingesting bitter melon or taking any supplements.
Dosage and Interactions with Medications
Traditional medicine has long relied on the bitter melon (Momordica charantia), sometimes called balsam pear or bitter gourd. It’s best to talk to your doctor about the right dose and any drug interactions you could have.
- Bitter melon may be taken orally by adults at a dose of between 0.5 and 12 grams per day for up to 16 weeks.
- Coma, fever, headache, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort are all possible adverse reactions (with excessive ingestion of seeds).
- The safety of bitter melon during pregnancy and nursing is unknown, and there is some evidence that it interacts negatively with at least 25 different medications.
Before using bitter melon, it’s important to keep a medication list and talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects and drug interactions.
