Melon For Diabetes

There are many different forms of melons, all of which belong to the gourd family. Most of these melons are eaten as fruits including watermelon, musk melon and cantaloupe. These fruits, though high in natural sugar, are often a part of healthy diets. One such melon is the bitter melon.

Bitter Melon For Diabetics

The bitter melon is a great vegetable for people suffering from diabetes. The bitter melon is also known as bitter gourd.

Extremely bitter, this vegetable in any form is considered very good for maintaining your sugar levels. The biological name for bitter melon is Mormordica charantia. This melon grows on vines with tendrils and vines creeping along with fruit hanging. Despite being so bitter, this particular melon is known to have great benefits for sugar levels. The bitter melon has various phyto nutrients that have a hypoglycemic effect. Some of these include charantin, peptides and several alkaloids. This melon also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin and minerals like iron. This melon is great to improve metabolism and improve the digestive system. The bitter melon also has emetic, purgative and anthelmentic properties. Bitter melons are eaten to reduce flatulence. The melon is also has anti inflammatory and astringent qualities. This melon is also sometimes used in treatment for anorexia.

The reason why bitter melon is good for diabetes is because it contains a substance that is like insulin and mimics the function of insulin. Insulin is secreted by the human body and helps control the sugar. When a person suffers from diabetes, the body does not produce insulin or does not produce enough insulin. When you consume bitter melon, especially in the juice form, it helps control the blood sugar. Charantin, which is present in bitter melons, mimics hypoglycemic drugs and is often more powerful than really strong drugs. Polypeptide P, another-insulin like component is present in bitter melon and it works towards reducing the sugar in the blood. Oleanics acid glycosides are also present in bitter melons. These work towards increasing glucose tolerance and ability for the pancreas to function more effectively.

Research is on to see how these components can be used in therapy for diabetics. Ayurveda and many dieter programs include the juice of fresh melon as a daily dose. There are different diets that are designed for diabetics and diabetes management. Supplements and teas made from bitter melons are also available in the market. From a treatment point of view, it is best if you have access to fresh bitter melon. To juice the melons, you need to cut them, slice out the white seeds and pulp or juice the green bit. You need to have this juice fresh and not let it rest once you have juiced the melon. You can also increase your intake of bitter melon by including it in your food. It can be added to stir fries and other vegetable dishes. The bitterness makes it a little difficult to enjoy but can be an acquired taste.

Many doctors recommend that diabetics include bitter melon juice as part of a daily diet. The recommended intake is usually one medium sized glass, fresh juice of the bitter melon, everyday in the morning on an empty stomach. It is important to remember that alternate treatments like drinking bitter gourd juice might seem like a good idea, but it should not be used as a substitute for medication and you should not discontinue your medication without consulting your doctor. The bitter melon supplements are not monitored and there is no safe dosage.

Submitted on January 16, 2014