Though it taste bitter, the juice of Bitter Gourd (Melon) is loaded with essential nutrients. Not only is it very healthy and nutritious, it is, in fact, considered a to be a miraculous health drink.
Most of you tend to keep bitter melon off your diet due to its bitterness, but, if you knew about its various health benefits, would you still avoid it? Here are 5 health benefits of bitter melon juice.
Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd (Melon) Juice:
1. Fights Cancer
The effects of bitter gourd on preventing and fighting cancer have been widely studied. A 2016 study in Oncotarget reported that bitter melon extract could inhibit tumor growth in neck and head squamous cell carcinoma.
While a 2015 study in Integrative Cancer Therapies showed that its natural activation of AMPK inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer cells.
A naturopathic doctor Serena Goldstein, said that bitter gourd can interact with chemo drugs for cancer and radiation, therefore, make sure to consult with your doctor.
2. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Dr. Anju Sood, a Bangalore-based Nutritionist said that, “Bitter gourd juice is anti-iCnanflammatory and helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels in your body. Therefore, it significantly reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.”
Also, it maintains the blood pressure of the body because it is rich in potassium, which absorbs excessive sodium in your body. It is also rich in folic and iron acid which are known to help keep your heart healthy and decrease the risk of stroke.
3. Maintains Blood Sugar Levels
Bitter gourd contains an insulin-like compound known as Polypeptide-p or p-insulin which has been reported to control diabetes naturally.
According to a study in 2011, that was published in the Journal Ethnopharmacolgy, a 4-week clinical trial reported that 2,000 mg of bitter melon when consumed on regular basis can help in reducing the blood glucose level significantly for patients who are suffering from type-2 diabetes.
Studies have reported that this plant-based insulin present in bitter gourd helps patients suffering from type-1 diabetes as well. Also, a report that was published in the Journal of Chemistry & Biology, provided evidence that bitter melon increases the uptake of glucose and improves glycemic control.
People who are suffering from diabetes and are taking hypoglycaemic drugs may even be required to alter the dosage of their drugs, if they will be drinking bitter melon juice daily and consult a doctor beforehand.
4. Soothes Digestive Disorders
New York Health and Wellness Nutrition Director, Jacqui Justice, M.S., C.N.S, explained that bitter melon can be used to soothe various of digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease.
A 2009 study reported that bitter gourd can help to increase the healing of duodenal and gastric ulcers. Therefore, you can consider bitter melon as a supplement if you are suffering from stomach or digestive issues.
5. Weight Loss
Bitter gourd contains antioxidants that help in flushing out your system. This helps in improving your digestive system and metabolism and, therefore, helping you lose weight faster.
The 2 major factors that help in weight loss are the calorie filling and control components. Calorie control happens because vegetables are low in calories, which allows you to consume more quantities.
The filling component on the other hand, in bitter melon is water. Water is a universal suppressant of hunger. The pods of bitter gourd contain on the whole 80-85% water.
Bitter Melon (Gourd) Juice Recipe:
Ingredients:
2 Bitter gourd
1 Tbsp Lemon juice
1 Tbsp Honey
1 Tbsp ginger chopped
Salt to taste
Black pepper
Directions:
1. Wash the gourd under cold running water.
2. Remove the seeds and white flesh from the bitter gourd with a spoon, and leave out the green outer section.
3. Cut it into cubes.
4. Soak the cubes in a bowl of water with salt or lemon juice for few minutes.
5. Add the bitter gourd into the blender.
6. Pour apple juice, water, or lemon juice into the blender or juicer to lessen the bitter taste.
7. Add honey, black pepper and ginger.
8. Blend the ingredients until the juice is smooth.
9. Strain the juice to remove any solid pieces.
10. Serve the bitter gourd juice in a glass.
Sources:
Organic Authority
Bachelor Recipe
Related Articles:
1. Bitter Melon to Fight Diabetes and Cancer
2. Bitter Kola for Relieving Arthritis, Improving Male Fertility and More
3. 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Patola (Ridge Gourd)
photo credit: thehealthsite