What Is Bitter Melon?
Bitter melon is a plant that grows in parts of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America. Its fruit looks like a cucumber and has a very strong bitter taste. People use bitter melon as both a food and a traditional medicine.
Bitter Melon and Diabetes
Bitter melon is best known as a traditional medicine to treat diabetes. Some studies suggest it may have a benefit, while others don't.
Bitter melon and blood sugar
Bitter melon is low in sugar and high in fiber. Fiber is important for slowing down how fast you digest food, which slows down how fast your body absorbs glucose. This helps keep your blood sugar levels from increasing too quickly.
Bitter melon also contains a polypeptide-P, which is a chemical that's similar to insulin. Some research shows it can help manage blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. But other studies have not shown any improvement in blood sugar. More research is needed.
Bitter Melon Health Benefits
Other possible health benefits include:
May help prevent cancer and HIV. In lab tests, bitter melon seems to slow down some viruses like HIV and may kill cancer cells. But it isn't known if bitter melon has these benefits for people.
There's no standard dose for bitter melon. Some people eat a small melon daily or drink a small amount of the juice. Ask your doctor for advice.
Might prevent anemia and iron deficiency. Bitter melon contains a lot of iron. It's also high in folate. Iron is needed to create hemoglobin (a part of red blood cells), which carries oxygen through your body. Folate helps with red blood cell formation.
Bitter Melon Nutritional Information
Bitter melon is a great source of vitamin C, with one cup providing about 50% of the recommended daily value. You can also get other key vitamins and minerals from bitter melon, including:
- Folate (16% of daily value)
- Zinc (10% of daily value)
- Potassium (9% of daily value)
- Magnesium (6% of daily value)
How to Eat Bitter Melon
Bitter melon is sometimes an ingredient in foods, such as curries. It has a very bitter, sour taste. It's also known as balsam pear.
Sliced bitter melon can be used in several ways, including in stir-fry dishes or marinades. It can also be enjoyed steamed, baked, sauteed, or eaten raw.
Is Bitter Melon Safe?
Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications.
Side effects. At least in the short term, bitter melon seems to be safe. It can cause headaches, upset stomach, cramping, and diarrhea.
Risks. Bitter melon may affect blood sugar levels. Check with a doctor before using it if you have diabetes. It could cause very low blood sugar when mixed with some diabetes medicines. Bitter melon is not safe for children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using bitter melon supplements. They could interact with drugs for diabetes and other conditions.
The U.S. FDA does regulate dietary supplements , but it treats them like foods rather than medications. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements don't have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market.
Takeaways
Bitter melon is a fruit that looks similar to a cucumber or zucchini but has a strong, bitter flavor. It's low in calories and high in fiber and may have certain health benefits, including helping to manage your blood sugar and lowering cholesterol. Bitter melon is okay to have in moderation, but talk to your doctor before eating it in large amounts if you have certain health conditions like diabetes or if you're pregnant. Side effects may also occur if you take bitter melon supplements or try extracts.
Bitter Melon FAQs
How can I consume bitter melon?
Sliced bitter melon can be used in a variety of ways, including in stir fry dishes or marinades. It can also be enjoyed steamed, baked, sauteed, or eaten raw.
Are there any side effects of bitter melon?
At least in the short term, bitter melon seems to be safe. It can cause headaches, upset stomach, cramping, and diarrhea.
Who should avoid bitter melon?
Bitter melon may affect blood sugar levels. Check with a doctor before using it if you have diabetes. It could cause very low blood sugar when mixed with some diabetes medicines. Bitter melon is not safe for children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Is bitter melon safe for daily consumption?
There isn't enough information available to confirm whether bitter melon can be eaten every day. It's OK to eat bitter melon in moderation, but talk to your doctor first to avoid side effects of interactions with your medications.