Bitter melon may contain compounds that may help lower blood sugar. However, if you consume it in excess or with certain medications, it may have negative effects on your health.
Bitter melon, also known as Momordica charantia or bitter gourd, is a plant that gets its name from its taste. It becomes more and more bitter as it ripens.
It grows in a number of areas, including Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and East Africa. People have used bitter melon for a variety of medical conditions over time.
Bitter melon contains many nutrients that can be beneficial to your health. It may help with lowering blood sugar, which some studies suggest means it can aid in diabetes treatment.
Bitter melon is considered a complementary or alternative medicine. Therefore, the use of bitter melon isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of diabetes or any other medical condition. You should contact a medical professional for advice if you wish to discuss your current treatment plan for diabetes.
Read on to learn about research into the possible benefits of bitter melon for diabetes.
Bitter melon isn’t an approved treatment or medication for prediabetes or diabetes. However, some research has examined bitter melon and diabetes. Most recommend conducting more research before using any form of bitter melon for diabetes management.
Bitter melon may help lower the body’s blood sugar. This is because the bitter melon has properties that act like insulin, which helps bring glucose into the cells for energy.
A 2020 study found that mcIRBP-19, a peptide in bitter melon, may help regulate blood glucose levels. Specifically, the study suggests that taking 300 milligrams (mg) of bitter melon peptide capsules twice daily—once before lunch and once before dinner—may help improve blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.
A 12-week 2022 study looked at the possible benefits of bitter melon extract in people with prediabetes. It found that the extract may help lower glucose levels.
However, there’s no medically approved way to consume bitter melon as a treatment for diabetes at this time. It’s important to contact a doctor before adding bitter melon to your diet or taking bitter melon supplements. Your doctor can advise on the safety and possible benefits.
Learn more about the possible benefits of bitter melon.
Bitter melon
It contains 0 grams (g) of total sugars. It’s also low in calories. One half-cup (47 g) of bitter melon contains around 10 calories.
There are no standard dosages for bitter melon as a medical treatment at this time.
You may find bitter melon in its natural vegetable form, as a supplement, and even as a tea. Keep in mind that supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA and don’t have to adhere to any stringent standards prior to being sold.
You shouldn’t use bitter melon as a supplement without consulting your doctor.
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Use bitter melon with caution beyond occasional use in your diet. Bitter melon may cause side effects and interfere with other medications.
Some of the risks and complications of bitter melon
- diarrhea, vomiting, and other intestinal issues
- dangerous lowering of blood sugar if taken with insulin
- liver damage
- kidney problems
- gastric ulcers
- favism (which can cause anemia) in those with G6PD deficiency
- problems due to mixing with other drugs to alter effectiveness
- abortion in pregnant people
Some research suggests that bitter melon may help manage blood sugar levels, which could benefit people with diabetes.
However, bitter melon is not a current medical treatment for diabetes. You should speak with your doctor if you are considering taking bitter melon or adding it to your diet.
Your doctor can advise on the safety of bitter melon based on your individual circumstances. They can also help you find other ways of managing your blood sugar levels if necessary.