This is a fruit often referred to as the “longevity elixir” of the Japanese. However, you can easily find it in Vietnamese markets.
According to geriatric experts from the University of Ryukyu in Japan, the secret to the longevity of the Japanese people is a harmonious combination of various factors, such as lifestyle, physical activity, and stable mental health. Among these, diet plays a crucial role.
The Japanese diet is famously balanced, harmonious, and low in fat. Characterized by high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, and various seafood, they consume a lot of green vegetables and legumes. One of the notable foods is the bitter melon – a food often dubbed the “longevity elixir.” The Japanese secret to longevity includes consuming a lot of bitter melon, drinking bitter melon tea, and drinking bitter melon juice.
Fortunately, bitter melon is also a familiar fruit to the Vietnamese, making it easy for you to enjoy this fruit.
Bitter melon – a food often dubbed the “longevity elixir” of the Japanese.
Remarkable Benefits of Bitter Melon
1. Lowers Blood Sugar
A study published in the journal Ethnopharmacology showed that individuals who consumed 2 grams of bitter melon extract daily for 90 days experienced a reduction in HbA1c blood sugar levels. Another study in the Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal indicated that bitter melon can be used as an effective oral medication for lowering blood sugar without side effects.
2. Cancer Prevention Support
Nearly all parts of the bitter melon plant possess anti-cancer properties. Specifically, extracts from this fruit can inhibit the growth of cancer cells by triggering apoptosis. This is a programmed cell death mechanism; when certain stimuli are applied to a cell, its genes induce self-destruction, leading to cell death.
Additionally, bitter melon seed oil contains bioactive fatty acids that hinder the growth of breast and liver cancer cell lines. According to Life Hack, bitter melon may also disrupt glucose production, inhibiting the growth of pancreatic cancer cells.
3. Boosts Immune System
Bitter melon contains Momordica anti-human immunodeficiency virus protein (MAP30). This protein has been shown to support the immune system by inhibiting HIV infection in T lymphocytes and increasing immunoglobulin production in B cells.
Moreover, scientists have found that bitter melon contains various bioactive compounds with antibacterial properties. Therefore, it can help combat infections caused by various bacteria such as E. coli, Helicobacter, Staphylococcus, and Salmonella.
Not only aids in glucose metabolism, but bitter melon also helps in lipid metabolism.
4. Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Studies have demonstrated that bitter melon extracts can lower cholesterol levels by promoting cholesterol secretion through bile acids. Furthermore, the habit of consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables has been shown to enhance cardiovascular health by providing fiber, potassium, and antioxidant vitamins.
5. Aids in Weight Loss
Along with its ability to metabolize glucose, bitter melon also aids in lipid metabolism. Many nutrition experts report that this food can reduce fat accumulation by downregulating the genes responsible for creating new fat cells.
A study published on CNN Health also revealed that oil extracts from bitter melon can selectively destroy fat cells (the cells that store fat). This is because it contains molecules such as triterpenoid glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, and fatty acids that prevent inflammation of adipose tissue, often associated with metabolic disorders.
4 Groups of People Who Should Limit Bitter Melon Consumption
Although bitter melon is very beneficial for health, it should not be consumed excessively at once. Rich in oxalic acid, bitter melon can hinder calcium absorption. Therefore, eating too much bitter melon at once is not beneficial for calcium supplementation, especially for the elderly and children. Additionally, the following three groups should also be cautious about their bitter melon intake:
- Individuals with weak stomachs should avoid consuming too much bitter melon. This fruit has a cooling property, and excessive consumption can lead to diarrhea or vomiting.
- Pregnant women should refrain from eating bitter melon, as it may stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Those using insulin or blood sugar-lowering medications need to monitor their blood sugar levels after consuming bitter melon to prevent hypoglycemia.
Health Benefits of Drinking Bitter Melon Juice
