Health Benefits of Bitter Melon, Uses And Its Side Effects

Bitter melon helps to control diabetes naturally as it contains an insulin-like compound called Polypeptide-p or p-Insulin. Research has shown that regular intake of optimum amounts of bitter melon juice can significantly reduce blood glucose levels in people suffering from Type-2 Diabetes. Further research has shown that bitter lemon increases the uptake of glucose and improves glycemic control. It even helps people with Type-1 diabetes.

Bitter melon helps to lower the level of bad cholesterol in your body and thus helps to keep your heart healthy. It contains potassium which absorbs the excess sodium in your body and thus maintains your blood pressure. The iron and folic acid which is present in bitter melon helps to ensure that your heart does not suffer a stroke.

Bitter melon is known to be an effective blood purifier. It has anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties that help to purify your blood. This is turn helps you get healthy and glowing skin. Various skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis can be treated by including bitter melon in your diet.

Bitter melon contains antioxidants that help to enhance your body’s immunity. The antioxidants act as a powerful defense mechanism against various illnesses as they act against the free radicals and other dangerous compounds that are released during cell metabolism. Thus, bitter melon protects against 3 very dangerous illnesses like heart attacks, kidney damage and liver failure.

If you are trying to lose some weight, there is no other healthy way to do it than including bitter melon in your diet. Bitter melon is low in carbohydrates, fats and calories. Consumption of bitter melon will keep you full for longer and thus can easily fit into your weight loss program. Studies have shown that bitter melon extracts help to dislocate human fat cells and also prevent growth of new ones.

Respiratory problems like asthma, cold and cough can be treated effectively by including bitter melon in your diet. Paste of bitter melon leaves when taken together with paste of tulsi leaves and honey in the morning is a good remedy for your respiratory problems.

In addition to being an anti-oxidant, bitter melon also has anti-tumor and anti-carcinogenic properties. Consuming bitter melon helps to prevent tumor growth for cervical, breast and prostate cancer patients. This is primarily because this fruit has the ability to induce apoptosis or cell death in cancerous cells.

Consumption of bitter melon in optimum quantities help to fight off various fungal infections as it possesses anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. These properties also help to remove toxins from the bloodstream which may cause various diseases in your body.

Hemorrhoid or piles is a very uncomfortable illness that may jeopardize your daily life. Bitter melon has anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce or prevent the uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with this disease.

A paste created from the roots of the bitter melon plant when applied topically to the affected areas help to reduce inflammation and also helps to reduce pain and bleeding.

Bitter melon is rich in compounds like beta-carotene and Vitamin A which are very beneficial for your eyes. It helps to deal with vision-related problems like cataract. Including bitter melon in your diet will help to prevent or at least delay the onset of this disease called cataract which causes partial blindness in your eyes.