Bitter Melon: A Nutritional Powerhouse belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and its scientific name is Benincasa cerifera Savi. This vegetable is a staple in many Vietnamese households and is also considered a “cost-effective remedy” that helps treat various serious health conditions.
Half a kilogram of bitter melon contains about 2 grams of protein, 9 grams of carbohydrates, 95 grams of calcium, and several other essential elements such as fiber, iron, ascorbic acid, and carotene, all of which play crucial roles in maintaining health. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this fruit has a sweet flavor, cooling properties, and is non-toxic; it aids in strengthening the spleen, boosting energy, and promoting fluid metabolism. Additionally, there are folk beliefs regarding its effectiveness in weight loss and combating obesity.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this fruit has a sweet flavor, cooling properties, and is non-toxic, helping to strengthen the spleen and boost energy…
Modern medicine has also discovered many health benefits of bitter melon. Below are seven benefits of this fruit you may not know about.
1. Lowers Blood Sugar
Despite its sweet taste, bitter melon is listed by experts as one of the beneficial foods for diabetic patients. A study shows that the abundant amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber in bitter melon are essential nutrients for individuals with high blood pressure, edema, and kidney disease.
Moreover, the glycemic index of bitter melon is low (GI-15), which, along with substances like propanol diacid and trigonelline, effectively controls the metabolism of sugar in the body into fat, preventing the accumulation of fat and greatly assisting in weight loss efforts.
Science also indicates that a special type of saponin found in bitter melon reduces glucose absorption in the blood, stabilizing and preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. Notably, the presence of saponin helps control hunger, which is a significant benefit for those on a diet or needing to manage their weight.
Bitter melon is listed as one of the beneficial foods for diabetic patients.
2. Detoxifies the Liver
Bitter melon has cooling properties and a sweet taste, making it highly effective in clearing heat and detoxifying the body, especially for the liver. When the liver weakens, the body can show alarming signs of fatigue and health decline. Therefore, incorporating detoxifying foods like bitter melon can have a remarkable effect, helping to prevent liver failure and fatty liver disease.
3. Aids in Weight Loss
Bitter melon is a fruit with extremely low fat content, making it a popular “weight loss” fruit. This benefit is attributed to the chemical compounds hyterin-caperin within it, which help prevent sugar from converting into fat, reducing fat accumulation in the body.
Bitter melon is a fruit with very low fat content.
Furthermore, bitter melon is rich in fiber and contains vitamins B9, C, E, A, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and more. These components aid in digestion and help prevent belly fat accumulation. The skin of bitter melon also provides various vitamins and minerals, so consumers can enjoy the fruit even when it’s still young.
4. Good for the Heart
Bitter melon is considered a “superfood” for cardiovascular health. Experts state that this fruit not only contains vitamin B2 and vitamin C but is also rich in potassium, which can help dilate blood vessels and relieve stress on blood vessels, thus preventing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as angina and stroke.
5. Boosts Immunity
With its impressive nutrient profile, bitter melon also helps enhance the immune system. On average, one bitter melon provides about 19% of the daily vitamin C requirement, helping to inhibit the effects of free radicals and stimulating white blood cell production. Consequently, the human immune system is strengthened.
Bitter melon also helps enhance human immunity.
6. Brain Health
The iron content in bitter melon plays a vital role in the formation of hemoglobin, which helps transport oxygen in the blood to tissues. Twenty percent of the oxygen transported in the blood supports brain functions and contributes to the creation of new neurons, thereby improving cognitive abilities.
7. Skin Nourishment
For women, bitter melon is a “miracle ingredient” for skincare widely used in cosmetics and natural remedies. Specifically, bitter melon can help treat acne, soften, and moisturize the skin. Vitamins A, B, C, and various anti-aging compounds contribute to improving skin vitality, brightness, and health. As a result, many women choose cosmetics containing bitter melon extract or apply natural methods at home, such as face masks or smoothies.
