The Remarkable Benefits of Bitter Melon Juice

Lisa Franchi March 22, 2013

Bitter melon or bitter gourd is a commonly eaten vegetable in tropical countries, such as Asia and Africa. But bitter as it may taste, this vegetable is packed with essential nutrients that make it so deliciously healthy! No wonder why it is becoming very popular in the western world.

Bitter melon can be eaten raw or stir-fried. At present, it is being commercialised as a beverage. Producers of bitter melon juice claim that it has great health benefits, just like your usual cup of tea.

What are the remarkable benefits of bitter melon juice?

· It is a haven of vitamins and minerals

A glass of this juice contains at least 32 active chemicals. Yes, that’s how plenty they are, and there’s probably more! They include lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin which are all known as super antioxidants. Bitter melons are rich in iron, vitamins A, C, B1, and B3, phosphorus, and other nutrients. They also have twice more potassium than bananas.

· Science shows it has potential to prevent cancer

A growing body of research suggests that bitter melon juice may have anticancer property. For the past years, scientific studies show that it stimulates activity against breast, colon, prostate and stomach cancer. Just recently, scientists found it may also help beat pancreatic cancer.

· It helps regulate diabetes

Diabetic patients can greatly benefit from consuming bitter melon juice. Research shows that this vegetable contains charntin – insulin-like peptides and alkaloids that help regulate blood sugar levels. However, doctors warn patients about using bitter melon for diabetes. When taken together with glucose-lowering medication, their sugar level might become significantly low which is not really good for their health.

· Bitter melon may be an all-around cure

Bitter melon is considered an effective treatment for AIDS/HIV. It can also be used to fight other types of viruses, particularly those that cause flu and cold. Other studies show bitter melon can help suppress tumours and treat psoriasis. Other than the juice, bitter melon as a supplement may also come in tablet, capsule, powder, and tea forms.

· It improves digestion

Bitter melon stimulates digestion, a fact that makes it a good dietary option for those who have digestive problems, including constipation and dyspepsia. However, it may sometimes aggravate heartburn and ulcer. But according to experts, bitter melon has only mild inflammation effects so its negative effects happen very rarely.

You may not like the taste of bitter melon at first but definitely, you will learn to love it! If you can’t tolerate the bitter taste of its juice, you can eat it in its vegetable form. Just cook it for a couple of minutes, maybe add some shrimp, lean ground meat, soy sauce, onion, garlic and some of your favourite spices and you will be surprise how superb its taste can be! Yum!

Dear Readers,

Have you ever tried eating bitter melon or drinking its juice? What are the health benefits that you experienced?

Share your comment below.