When we think of melons, usually, it’s the sweet, crunchy, summery fruits, packed with hydration and flavor, plenty of nutrients, and fiber that come to mind. We think of juicy red watermelons, orange muskmelons and cantaloupes or one of the other, sweeter varieties.
Rarely do we think of a far-off cousin of this family – known as the bitter melon. Also called bitter gourd, bitter apple, and various other names, this is a popular dietary addition in many cultures across the world. It’s used in South Asia, South America, East Africa, and various other regions as a source of nutrition and to help manage health issues like diabetes, heart disease, stomach issues, menstrual health problems, and much more.
Some of it’s significant benefits include:
It’s Packed With Nutrients
You’d be surprised to learn exactly how nutrient-dense this food is, containing some major food groups and various minerals and vitamins, like:
- Carbs
- Fiber
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Zinc
- Potassium
- Folate
Each of the above is essential to good health in the long-run. These nutrients play an important role in building your body’s defenses against disease, strengthening bones, muscles, immunity– allowing you to get in a chunk of your required macronutrients through a single food.
May Help Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Bitter melon, or bitter gourd, contains compounds with insulin-like properties. Regular consumption has been known to help cells utilize glucose and retain nutrients.
Although more scientific research is yet to prove its effectiveness in this regard, many indigenous cultures have relied on this fruit for its health benefits. It doesn’t replace medical treatments for any health condition, including diabetes, but there is no denying its potential benefits.
Cancer-Fighting Potential
Cancer is a devastating, terrifying illness that many of us have experienced or witnessed first-hand. With dozens of toxins and factors in our environment to leave us exposed, it’s definitely something worth thinking about.
Certain compounds present in bitter melon have been shown to kill cancer cells in the stomach, colon, and lung when observed in a test-tube experiment. Though conducted in carefully controlled environments, the studies provide hope for this plant in promoting health.
Supports Heart Health
When tested on rats, bitter melon extract showed the ability to reduce LDL, also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, and show notable improvement in good cholesterol levels. There’s still a long way to go in understanding the complete range of effects of bitter melon on human cardiovascular health, but there is notable potential. Data, although scarce, has been promising, and there’s hope that conclusive evidence might be on the way.
Great For Your Waistline
Bitter melon is a fiber-rich food, which means it’s great for weight loss and management. The fiber acts as an appetite suppressant, keeping you full longer to avoid over-eating, snacking, and cravings. Over a few weeks, you can expect to see a change that ties into your overall health – including cardiovascular health and blood sugar levels.
The benefits of this wonderful plant have been honed for centuries by many indigenous cultures, even if western medicine is yet to prove its potency. This is why at Bixahuman, we have included bitter melon fruit in our natural supplements like the Cardio T3. You can order this supplement online through our website and get a dose of this fruit, alongside other many health-boosting herbal ingredients.
Disclaimer: Bixahuman’s products are not intended for diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any disease or health condition. Any information discussed in this piece is not a replacement for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor or physician for medical concerns and treatment options.