Bitter Melon (scientific name – Momordica charantia) goes by several words like – Bitter Apple, Bitter cucumber, Bitter gourd, Karela, balsam, etc., and is a vine-grown vegetable. As you notice, the adjective bitter in most of the common names of this vegetable alone is enough to describe how it tastes. Bitter Melon is considered the most bitter among all fruits and vegetables.
Its bitterness is the root cause of its high medicinal value. What gives the bitter melon plant its marked sour flavor is an alkaloid momordicine. It is laden with antioxidants and essential vitamins. The color of this vegetable ranges from dark green to light green, depending on the region they are cultivated.
Bitter melon juice is one of the most effective natural medicines for blood purification and lowering blood glucose levels. If you have disliked and avoided the vegetable so far, read about the different health benefits of bitter melon juice, and you might start liking it!
History of Bitter Melon
It has a very long history. The medicinal and culinary uses of bitter Melon originate in India. The history of using this vegetable in culinary and medicine dates back more than 3,000 years. It has been an active ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines for centuries. Then, it was introduced into traditional Chinese Medicine practices around the 14th century. The plant profoundly grows in hot and humid climates like tropical and subtropical regions. It is commonly found in Asia, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean.
How is Bitter melon consumed?
It is used to cook different dishes, just like any vegetable. It can be steamed, stir-fried, or consumed as juice.
How to prepare bitter melon juice?
After peeling the skin of the bitter gourd:
- Wash it thoroughly under running water.
- Scoop out the seeds and slice the bitter Melon into small, medium-sized cubes.
- Immerse the cubes in a water bowl for half an hour.
Adding one tablespoon of salt will help bring down the bitterness. Blend it well in a blender. Strain it. Make sure (by squeezing hard) that all the essence is juiced out. If you wish, you can chill it before serving.
10 Top Health Benefits of Bitter Melon Juice
1. Excellent to treat diabetes
A small cup of bitter melon juice increases your body’s insulin level noticeably because it has a plant-based insulin-like compound. This lowers the blood and urine sugar levels. Bitter melon juice is low in calorie count and rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, and folate. The bitter ground is not only beneficial for people with type-2 diabetes but type-1 diabetic patients as well. People taking drugs to combat diabetes may have to change their dosage if they consume bitter melon juice daily. Therefore, consult your dietician before making bitter melon juice part of your daily routine.
Since ages, using food as a form of medicine is emphasized in dietetic and nutritional sciences, and M. charantia(bitter melon) is a prime example. M. charantia has been traditionally used for diabetes treatment. It contains over 225 medicinal components. Compounds like charantin and insulin-like peptides in M. charantia has sugar-lowering effects, contributing to its efficacy in managing diabetes. (Source – Interdisciplinary Research Centre, Malankara Catholic College, Mariagiri, Kaliakkavilai, Kanyakumari)
2. Beneficial to combat piles
Bitter melon juice is high in fiber and water content and effectively relieves constipation. Mix bitter melon juice and buttermilk and have it on an empty stomach every morning. Continue it, at least for a month. Making a paste of the bitter melon root and applying it externally over the piles is also highly beneficial.
3. Perfect for those who are aiming for weight loss
Being a low-calorie drink with a high amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals and only a negligible quantity of carbohydrates, bitter gourd juice is ideal for people who wish to go or are undergoing weight loss programs. Bitter melon juice also hinders the formation and growth of new fat cells. It also enhances the metabolism of carbohydrates that promote weight loss.
Bitter melon is traditionally used as an alternative medicine for obesity. Its efficacy has been substantiated by scientific research. It works by triggering genes associated with fat metabolism and boosting the activity of AMPK and PPARs. (Source – Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh)
4. Boosts Immune system
Bitter Melon is loaded with antioxidants. It is well known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Therefore, regular juice intake will help boost immunity and combat infections. Essential fatty acids like oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids are also present in the bitter melon juice, making it an even better healthy drink. The high amount of Vitamin C in the bitter melon juice helps heal scars and wounds. It also helps to develop strong teeth and bones. Bitter melon juice has an anti-inflammatory property, thus helping to reduce chronic inflammation.
5. Makes the skin glow and hair thick and healthy
Bitter melon juice is known as a beauty juice for the skin. Being an excellent blood purifier, bitter melon juice prevents acne. Bitter gourd juice is enriched with vitamins A and C and powerful antioxidants. This will check premature skin aging and reduce wrinkles.
One glass of bitter melon juice per day also prevents premature graying of hair and is very effective in combating baldness. Mixing the juice with amla paste and applying it to the scalp effectively removes split ends, dandruff, and brittle hair, the essential factors that trigger hair fall.
6. Combat liver issues
The bitter melon juice is considered liver tonic juice. As it eradicates the alcoholic intoxication accumulated in the liver, this juice is an antidote to ‘hangover.’ Bitter melon juice heals many liver problems. It enhances the antioxidant activity of the enzymes in the liver, thereby decreasing the chances of liver failure.
As per a study The study indicates that karela (bitter melon) improves cholesterol levels by influencing genes in the liver. It helps repair liver damage caused by high cholesterol and turns cholesterol into bile acids. (Source – Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt)
7. Good for eyes
Bitter melon juice is a rich source of beta-carotene and vitamin A and is regarded as the best drink for getting rid of eye disorders. It is excellent for preventing vision-related problems such as cataracts. It is also beneficial to treat dark circles around the eyes.
8. Enhances digestion
Bitter melon juice encourages the production of gastric juices and, therefore, helps enhance digestion. Besides, it is excellent for treating intestinal worms, constipation, and diarrhea.
9. Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
Bitter melon juice is highly beneficial in bringing down the insufficient cholesterol level. It is also low in sodium and sugar and is helpful for patients with diabetes and hypertension. It also maintains the body’s blood pressure as it is rich in potassium. It is a rich source of iron and folic acid. All these contribute to bringing down the risk of heart attack and stroke. The juice is almost devoid of fat or cholesterol, so that you can drink it safely without any side effects.
As per a study, it was found that the extract showed promise in improving heart function and blood flow, suggesting its potential as a supplemental treatment for obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. (Source – Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen 4032, Hungary)
10. Relieves asthmatic symptoms
Asthma patients are one group that highly benefits from having bitter melon juice. It helps to eliminate sputum that accumulates in the lungs. This will help to relieve some of the bothering symptoms of asthma and bronchitis.
A research group headed by Ronghua ZhuGe discovered that substances with a bitter taste could be a new avenue for treating lung conditions like asthma. These bitter substances interact with taste receptors, known as TAS2Rs, found in the smooth muscle cells of the airways. The study showed that these compounds can inhibit specific calcium channels, causing the muscle cells to relax and airways to open. This research could pave the way for more efficient therapies for respiratory diseases. (Source)
Other Top Benefits
- The juice is perfect for gout and arthritis
- Bitter melon juice is an effective remedy for infections originating from retrovirus
- Sipping bitter melon juice provides quick relief in patients suffering from an early stage of cholera
- Regular intake of bitter melon juice helps to sleep better and boosts overall stamina and allergy
- The juice of bitter Melon can be used to treat eczema, sores, skin infections, and leprosy
- The juice, when consumed mixed with honey and water, works as a quick remedy for asthma and associated respiratory problems
- Bitter melon juice is used as a natural remedy for psoriasis and other fungal infections like ringworm
- The juice, when diluted with buttermilk and consumed every morning on an empty stomach, facilitates the healing of piles. Make a paste of the root of the plant and then apply topically for faster relief
Is Bitter Melon juice safe for all?
As always, moderation is the key when it comes to the consumption of bitter melon juice. Overconsumption of bitter melon juice can adversely affect diabetic patients as their blood sugar level may drop dangerously. Overeating can also bring about irregular heartbeat and gastric issues. Never consume juice made from more than two bitter melons per day.
Side Effects of Bitter Melon
- Lactating mothers
- It is not recommended for pregnant women because the juice induces uterine contraction
- The juice is also not recommended for patients with hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
- Patients who have cirrhosis of the liver should also avoid drinking bitter melon juice.
