Bitter melon is a herb which has several health benefits. It is better known as bitter gourd. The best benefit of the herb is that it efficiently maintains the blood sugar levels and also helps operate other body functions normally. Thus, the herb is beneficial for control of diabetes.
The botanical name of bitter gourd is Momordica charantia and it belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. The fruit of the herb is used as a vegetable in various Asian countries. There are various contents in the bitter melon, which help maintain normal blood sugar such as charantin, alkaloids and insulin-like peptides. The herb is also rich in iron, beta carotene, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B1, B2, B3, vitamin C and fibers. Hence, it is good for the liver.
Bitter Melon Benefits
Bitter melon has the following health benefits –
- Diabetes — It is used as an effective cure for diabetes as it has hypoglycemic action. Its juice can be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Decoction of seeds powder and fruit pieces can be prepared and taken in the morning. Medication should be prohibited while taking its juice as it can lower the sugar level in the blood.
- Piles — Freshly extracted juice of bitter melon along with butter milk should be taken for the cure of piles over a period of one month.
- Blood purification — The herb has blood purification properties. Juice of bitter melon is taken for the treatment of various blood disorders such as itching due to blood poisoning and blood boils.
- Weight loss — Its juice also stimulates the liver for bile secretion. Bile juice is important for fat metabolism, hence helps in weight loss.
- Good for stomach — Bitter melon has good dietary fiber in the form of cellulose, hence it prevents constipation.
- Eye care — It is a rich source of beta carotene which is essential for good vision.
The herb is also used to cure various other diseases, such as –
- Alcoholism
- Cholera
- Skin care
- Weak Immune system
- HIV infection
These are some of the health benefits of Bitter melon. The herb should not be taken by pregnant women as it can contract the uterus. Diabetics should take bitter melon with precaution as it can lower the blood sugar.
