Diabetes impairs the body’s ability to produce and utilize the insulin hormone, which raises blood sugar levels. Proper management of these levels can help avert more health issues.A variety of interventions, such as modifying one’s lifestyle for greater health, can help patients maintain blood sugar levels within the desired range. Supplements and complementary therapies, like bitter melon, can also be used by an individual.

This article examines the usage of bitter melon for diabetes, whether it is a beneficial addition to treatment, and how it may affect blood sugar levels. It also examines certain uses for bitter melon, including preparation and recipe tips. 

What Is Bitter Melon?

Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd or karela, is a peculiar vegetable fruit with culinary and medicinal use. The bitter melon is an oblong, green fruit that grows off the vine. It has warty skin and varies in size, texture, and bitterness depending on the region it grows in. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals. 

There are two main types of bitter melon: Chinese and Pakistani. Both have spherical, lengthy bodies, green skin, and cucumber-like, pale, whitish meat. The Pakistani type is narrow with a rough, spiky rind, while the Chinese variety is long and light green with bumps.

What Are Bitter Melon’s Nutrients?

Here’s the nutrition information for 1 cup of cooked bitter melon, according to the USDA:

• Calories: 53
• Carbohydrate: 5.5 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Total Sugar: 2.5 g
• Added Sugar: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 3.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Sodium: 166 mg

A cup of bitter melon contains around half of the daily required intake of vitamin C, making it a great source of the vitamin as well. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that vitamin C is an essential ingredient for collagen synthesis, which is required for wound healing and maintaining the elasticity of skin. It also possesses antioxidant qualities that help prevent free radical damage. Additionally, there is some evidence that vitamin C may help type 2 diabetics manage their blood pressure and blood sugar levels. 

Additionally rich in fat-soluble vitamin A, which is critical for immune system function, is bitter melon. In addition, a serving of bitter melon has 2.5 grams of fiber that aids with digestion and blood sugar stabilization. 

In addition to adding additional volume and fullness to meals, bitter melon may be an excellent addition to the plate for anyone trying to boost their consumption of fiber overall to support gut health. It is a low-calorie, high-fiber fruit that also has a high amount of the antioxidant vitamins A and C. 

Bitter melon for diabetes

How does it affect diabetes?

Bitter melon has long been used as an herbal cure for a variety of conditions, including type 2 diabetes, in addition to being a food ingredient.

At least three potent anti-diabetic ingredients can be found in the fruit: vicine, charanti (which has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels), and polypeptide-p, a molecule that resembles insulin.

When used separately or in combination, these medications can reduce blood sugar levels. Additionally, it is known that bitter melon has a lectin that, like insulin in the brain, acts on peripheral tissues to inhibit hunger and lower blood glucose concentrations.

It is believed that this lectin plays a significant role in the hypoglycemia impact that follows the consumption of bitter melon.

How to Prepare Bitter Melon for Diabetes

First, take off the seeds from the fresh fruit. Then, to lessen the bitter flavor before cooking, blanch or soak it in salt water. It’s frequently stir-fried, stuffed, or cooked alongside other veggies. The fruit, blossoms, or seeds can all be used to make tea.

How much to consume

If you’re thinking about taking bitter melon in addition to your diabetes medication, you should never take more than:

• 50–100 milliliters of karela juice each day
• around 2-3 ounces spread throughout the day
• one tiny bitter melon per day
• the recommended dosage of supplements from a physician

A supplement ought to be taken after:

• consulting their physician about the appropriate dosage and whether to use it
• examining the packaging’s instructions

Certain supplements may intensify or counteract the effects of prescription drugs.

Recipe tips

Bitter melon can be prepared in the following ways:

• Adding it to soups and stews.
• Adding it to stir-fry dishes.
• Using it in curries
• Serve it fried in batter
• Eating it stuffed with rice or other ingredients
• Enjoy it in an omelet
• Putting it in bean dishes

Side Effects

Most people can probably safely consume bitter melon for no more than three months. If taking it for extended periods is safe, doctors are unsure. Furthermore, they are unsure of how safe it is to apply to the skin.

The adverse effects of bitter melon can include headaches, diarrhea, and upset stomachs.

Your blood sugar levels during and after surgery may be impacted by bitter melon. At least two weeks before your operation, stop using it.

If you are nursing a baby or pregnant, it might not be safe to take.

Avoid eating bitter melon if you are deficient in G6PD. A disease known as “favism” may develop in response to bitter melon seeds. Severe symptoms such as headache, fever, stomach pain, and coma may result from this.

If someone is considering consuming more bitter melon in any form, they should consult their physician first and adhere to any packaging advice. Additionally, confirm that the supplements originate from a reliable source—for example, one with a USP verification symbol.

In case the bitter melon interacts with diabetes drugs and lowers blood sugar to dangerously low levels, keep a close eye on your blood glucose levels. 

Conclusion

Many health issues, including diabetes, may be treated or prevented by some of the substances found in bitter melon.

More investigation is needed to determine the precise mechanism and reason for the potential benefits of bitter melon for diabetes as well as its long-term safety. Over time, bitter melon or its components may offer additional treatment for hyperglycemia and diabetes.

For personalized care and deeper insights into managing diabetes, consider booking an appointment with our specialist. Your health deserves the best attention.

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