A Healthy Diet with Bitter Melon: Prevent Diabetes
The Chinese Diet
Eastern medicine has long since emphasized using diet for the prevention of ailments before they occur. Preventative diet measures tend not to have the adverse side effects that come with western medicine. By integrating beneficial foods into your diet, it becomes easier to prevent and stem the ailment before it requires a full blown medicinal intervention. Bitter melon is one of those beneficial foods in the Chinese diet.
Bitter Melon Benefits
Also known as bitter gourd, the bitter melon is rich in iron, beta-carotene, and potassium. Anecdotal references also indicates it can relieve constipation and improve circulation, thereby producing slimming effects on the body. The Health Department of the Philippines has recommended bitter melon as an herbal supplement. It has also been shown to inhibit HIV in laboratory testing.
Bitter Melon and Diabetes
In addition, one of its oldest known medicinal effects is in regards to diabetes. It has long been recorded in Chinese medicinal text as having medicinal properties that are beneficial for diabetes. On symptoms specifically related to modern day diabetes, the bitter melon was recorded in the ancient texts as being able to stop thirst and clear vision. A modern study with combined research by a Japanese and a Thai university revealed have shown that bitter melon can reduce blood sugar levels up to 25% in mice. And as diabetes becomes more and more common, integrating the bitter melon into your diet is a good and inexpensive way to help reduce blood sugar and prevent diabetes.
Integrating Bitter Melon in Your Diet
In terms of eating bitter melon, it is somewhat of an acquired taste. Its name does not lie, it is bitter. However, there are numerous Chinese recipes that make the bitter melon as delectable dish. It has been presented in soups, fish, and pork entrees, in addition to being stuffed, and salad-ed. Because of its bitterness, it makes the flavors of its companions stand out. It makes for a refreshing dish in the summer.
Preparation
Where can you find bitter melon and how do you cook it? In most Asian grocery markets, you will be able to find the bitter melon. It looks like a bumpy cucumber and is best when it is a light green color. Preparation is minimal, just slice open the bitter melon, and scoop out the fibrous center along with its hard seeds. It can be eaten raw, or cooked to various degrees of softness. The longer it is cooked, the less bitter it will be-however, like most other vegetables, prolonged cooking will destroy some of its nutritional content.
Moderation
As always, use moderation when it comes to your diet. People who are hypoglycemic or women who are pregnant should not drink concentrated bitter melon juice or eat excessive amounts of bitter melon.
