The Health Benefits of Bitter Melon; Could it be the Cure We Have Been Looking For?
We are always looking for another way to treat diseases and conditions, but the health benefits of bitter melon could be what we need. Bitter melon is now known as a great supplement for helping those who suffer from diabetes, and as a disease that is ravaging America this is a huge discovery.
The bitter melon is actually a member of the squash family, and while it looks awkward and more like a cucumber, it is filled with fibrous seeds that are packed with nutrients. Chinese medicine has used bitter melon for many centuries as treatment for those with diabetes. In Asia, the use of bitter melon in the treatment for diabetic patients is the norm, whereas in America it is simply considered an alternative treatment. One of the health benefits of bitter melon is its ability to lower blood glucose levels. This is believed to be a result of the fact that bitter melon mimics the properties of insulin. With the evidence of what bitter melon has been known to do, it would only make sense that we would at least try it and see how our patients fair. While every patient is different, and bitter melon isn’t known as the final cure, it wouldn’t hurt us to try it before moving to other treatments.
Bitter melon has been researched in mice across the world, with several studies showing that it is rich in anti-oxidants, and can dramatically decrease lipids and triglycerides. It would definitely be worth a shot for America to incorporate bitter melon into its various treatments to see what type of results we get from it however, there are some things you will want to know before you use it.
Although there are several health benefits of bitter melon, it may have some adverse affects in those who try it. Due to the potent nature of the bitter melon, you need to exercise caution when administering this to children. Adverse reactions in children can include hypoglycemic coma and convulsions, so be very careful with this so you may want to consult with a holistic physician before you give a specific dosage of this.
Bitter melon has also been shown to cause problems with fertility in the mice that were tested, which is could be an indicator that those who are trying to get pregnant may not want to use it. Moderation is a good rule of thumb with anything, but when you are dealing with something as potent as bitter melon you need to research it out before you use it. Lastly, keep in mind that if you are currently using medicines to lower your blood sugar, then you may want to only start with a small amount of bitter melon to supplement that. Again, it’s always a good idea to consult with a holistic physician before using this on your own. Assessing your health and your personal needs will be important to determine how much of the bitter melon you should be using.
If you want to try bitter melon it it’s natural form, then you can probably find it at a health food store. Bitter melons are usually anywhere from 35to 12 inches in length, and look for melons that are green if you like the bitter flavor. If you want a more mild taste, then look for a melon that is more yellow in color. Bitter melon is usually available between the months of April and September and is readily available in Asian market, but you may be able to find it in a larger supermarket depending on where you are located.
Bitter melons are usually only good when kept in your refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, and they taste best if you slice them just prior to eating them. There are some great Asian recipes for using bitter melon as a part of your menu.