This has quickly become one of my favorite herbs. I've been giving these capsules to my father for the past 2 years and he is no longer pre-diabetic!
Memorial Sloan Kettering says, "that this edible fruit is used as food and in medicine for treating:
- diabetes (protecting the body from becoming insulin resistant) in type 1 & 2
- high blood pressure
- cancer
- viral infections and immune disorders
- It also treats osteoarthritis."
- kidney stones & kidney function
- liver health
- cardiac health
- blood cleansing
- weight loss
- skin health (pimples, eczema & psoriasis)
- digestion
- & aging"
How?
Bitter melon has several chemicals that seem to act like insulin and help to lower blood sugar levels. Some studies suggest that it does this by causing more glucose to enter the cells, and then helping your body process it and store it in the liver, muscles, and fat.
Ingredients
Organic Bitter Melon - un-ripened bitter fruit. Non-GMO, Gluten Free, 3rd Party Tested
Vegetable Capsule Ingredients: Pullulan, water, carrageenan, and potassium chloride.
Product contains no fillers.
30 Capsules, 600 mg extract each capsule.
Recommended Usage
Take 1-2 Capsules a day with 8-12 oz of water, or juice an empty stomach, before you eat, or as directed by your healthcare professional.
Considerations and Warnings
Research published in August 2018 by Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practicefound that people with knee osteoarthritis who took three 500-milligram capsules of Momordica charantia (Bitter Gourd / Bitter Melon) three times a day experienced weight loss, reduced fasting blood glucose and significant improvements in knee injury and osteoarthritis (reducing the need for pain relievers), compared with people who took a placebo. The study also found that those benefits were seen in as few as three months.
Bitter melon can lower blood sugar levels. If you are taking it for high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, or cholesterol, be aware to watch your blood sugar. If you start to feel light headed, your sugar may be getting too low. You will have to find an alternative.
If you are taking medications to lower your blood sugar, adding bitter melon might make your blood sugar drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar carefully.
This may help wean you off your sugar medications.
"In large amounts, [bitter melon] can have adverse side effects," cautions Dr. Reisman. "Before using, it is important to consult your physician regarding safety and dose, which may depend on one's age, health and any other medical conditions."
Despite the potential for health benefits, there's also potential risks, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering, including the following:
- Do not take bitter melon if you are pregnant as it has not been tested on pregnant women.
- Bitter melon may interfere with medications you are taking, including insulin, hypoglycemic medicines and anti-malaria medications.
