Bitter Melon: Properties, Benefits and How to Consume It
One of the main benefits is attributed to bitter melon (also called momordica charantia and whose green appearance is one of its characteristics), it is help to balance the levels of blood glucose, being a good ally to combat and prevent diabetes. But bitter melon, which can be taken as a tea or juice, hides other interesting health benefits. Let’s find out what its properties and how to prepare an infusion of bitter melon, a plant already used in Chinese medicine.
Table of Contents
Properties
Bitter melon is an extraordinary source of antioxidants (such as beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin …) which help us fight the effects of free radicals and slow the aging. Its antioxidant content has attracted also the interest of researchers, since that could help in the fight against cancer.
Bitter melon contains proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins (especially group A and B), minerals (iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, manganese), folic acid and fiber, among other nutrients.
Benefits
Its main benefit, as we pointed out above, is that it helps to control glucose, thanks in particular to three substances. In addition, bitter melon prevents high levels of bad cholesterol, helps the digestive process and intestinal transit, being recommended in cases of indigestion or constipation episodes. And another added benefit is that it is very low in calories, it contains just 17 kcal per 100 grams.
Bitter melon has a purifying effect, helping to eliminate toxins from the body. In this case it is recommended to drink a glass of juice of bitter melon, combined with lemon juice and honey to improve skin conditions such as acne, for example.
Bitter melon tea
How to prepare bitter melon tea? In a simple and easy way, adding 1-2 tablespoons of bitter melon in powder (extracted from the stems and leaves of the plant), in one liter of boiling water. Remove from the heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Bitter melon can also be taken in the form of capsules.