Bitter melon, also known as "goya" in Japan, is a vegetable with a distinctive bumpy appearance, resembling a spiked club. Due to its vibrant orange color when ripe, it has often been planted near the entrances of homes or along fences in rural areas for decorative purposes.

Recently, bitter melon has gained popularity due to its effectiveness in regulating blood sugar levels, making it a well-known natural remedy for diabetes. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions as a versatile ingredient in various dishes. In South Korea, it is primarily grown in the southern regions during the summer and is used as a medicinal herb or health food.

Bitter melon is in season during the summer and originates from tropical Asian regions such as India. Due to its strong bitter taste, it can be difficult to eat raw. However, it is commonly consumed as tea, stir-fried dishes, juice, salads, or pickles.

Now, let’s explore the health benefits of bitter melon, often referred to as “natural insulin.”

Health Benefits of Bitter Melon

1. Diabetes Prevention
   One of the most well-known benefits of bitter melon is its ability to help prevent diabetes. It contains compounds similar to insulin, assisting in converting glucose into energy in the liver and preventing excess glucose from remaining in the bloodstream. Additionally, bitter melon is rich in charantin and momordicin, which promote insulin secretion and inhibit cholesterol synthesis. These properties help lower and regulate blood sugar levels, making bitter melon highly beneficial for diabetes prevention.

2. Anti-Aging
   Bitter melon is packed with vitamin C—about five times more than lemons. It also contains beta-carotene and other antioxidants, which not only slow down the aging process but also improve skin health.

3. Fatigue Recovery
   As one of the most vitamin C-rich vegetables, bitter melon also contains beta-carotene, vitamin B1, potassium, phosphorus, and iron, making it a nutrient-dense food that helps combat fatigue.

4. Weight Loss
   With only 17 kcal per 100g, bitter melon is a low-calorie vegetable. Its conjugated linoleic acid aids in fat breakdown and toxin removal, while charantin helps inhibit fat cell mutation and prevents fat accumulation, making it effective for weight loss.

5. Cardiovascular Health
   Bitter melon supports heart health due to its saponin-based alkaloid, momordicin, which lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure. By promoting healthy blood circulation, it helps prevent conditions such as arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and obesity-related diseases. Additionally, its unique compound, goyamin, reduces bad cholesterol levels, making it beneficial for preventing vascular diseases.

6. Cancer Prevention
   Bitter melon contains various cancer-fighting compounds, including charantin, polyphenols, palmitin, berberine, and beta-carotene. These components help prevent cancers such as prostate, pancreatic, colorectal, and breast cancer.

7. Eye Health
   The beta-carotene in bitter melon is converted into vitamin A in the body, which protects eye cells and tissues from damage. This helps prevent eye fatigue, vision decline, night blindness, dry eye syndrome, presbyopia, and other eye-related conditions.

Precautions for Consumption

Despite its numerous health benefits, bitter melon should be consumed with caution. Pregnant women should avoid it, as it may induce uterine contractions or bleeding. Additionally, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal side effects or allergic reactions.

When selecting bitter melon, look for ones with a deep, vibrant green color, a thick and firm texture, and a substantial weight.

In conclusion, bitter melon is an incredibly nutritious vegetable often referred to as "natural insulin." While it may be unfamiliar to some, its health benefits make it worth trying. If you haven’t tried bitter melon before, consider giving it a chance for a healthier lifestyle!

Source: 헬스케어뉴스(https://www.hankyung.com)

Bitter Melon Premium

1Box (100mL x 30pack)
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