Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia)
Benefits of Bitter Melon
- Metabolism
- From: Asia, Africa, Caribbean.
- Form: Extract
- Food source: Bitter melon
What is Bitter Melon?
As the name suggests, Bitter Melon is a plant with a bitter taste that gets more bitter as it ripens. It's grown and eaten in Chinese, Indian and Japanese cooking, and it is also used in traditional herbal practice. The fruit contains vitamins and nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin A and folate.
What does the research say about Bitter Melon?
Bitter Melon's best-known research area is glucose metabolism, the way the body processes and uses sugar from food. Researchers have looked at how it interacts with insulin, the hormone that regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, and one study measured its effect on insulin secretion.
You may be interested in reading 'Best foods for Type 2 diabetes' and 'Signs of high and low blood sugar'.
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