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This One Melon Can Kill Cancer and Help Diabetics
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Diabetes
Several clinical studies have been performed in an attempt to evaluate the ability of bitter melon to control diabetes. Many scientists believe that diabetes can be a precursor for pancreatic cancer so it stands to reason that if bitter melon can stop pancreatic cancer, perhaps it could help with diabetes as well.
In one 4 week study performed in 2011 and published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, showed that in clinical trials, bitter melon had modest hypoglycemic effects for those taking about 2,000mg of bitter melon each day.
There is evidence that shows that this melon can not only increase the number of cells that will go on to produce insulin, but stimulated the production of insulin. Bitter melon might be able to reduce the amount of insulin injections needed, or the amount of medication needed for those with type 2 diabetes.
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that this melon increases the uptake of glucose and stimulates the liver, muscle, and fatty tissue of the body to convert glucose into glycogen, its storage form. These types of changes can reduce overall blood sugar levels and help to lessen the demand on the pancreas.
The international journal Chemistry and Biology published a study in 2008 that showed that bitter melon improved glycemic control and helped cells uptake glucose. It also showed an overall improved tolerance to glucose. Mice were used in this study and it has lead scientists to believe that bitter melon hold a great deal of promise in the treatment of diabetes.
Bitter melon is a great source of vitamins as well, including vitamin B, C, and A. It also contains important minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium, and offers the body fiber. It has twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of a banana, and twice the beta-carotene of broccoli. Find out other calcium sources.
You can find fresh bitter melons at most Asian stores located in America, and the juice, tea, and extracts are generally found either online or in local health food stores.
If you would like to try the fresh fruit, the best way to get rid of the bitterness is to soak the sliced up fruit in some salt water for 30 or 40 minutes before cooking or eating. If you want to make fresh juice from it, mix with other sweet juices, such as apples or grapes, and/or add a touch of honey.
An important note: Don’t consume more than 2 ounces of this melon in a day (this would be about 2 whole melons) as it can cause diarrhea and upset stomach for some people. Also, if you are pregnant, you should consume very little or wait until after you have given birth as eating too much of this melon can cause bleeding and contractions.
If you are a diabetic, talk to your doctor before stopping any medications. Ask them about consuming bitter melon to ensure that there are no drug interactions.
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