How Many Grams of Bitter Melon do I Eat in a Day to Lower My Blood Sugar Levels?
Today I shall reveal how many grams of Bitter Melon do I eat in a day to lower my blood sugar levels. I shall also discuss the benefits of consuming bitter melon and reveal the drawbacks of the same.
I have been consuming bitter melon for the past month or so. During this time, I have completely stopped any other blood sugar support supplement.
The main reason why I have stopped other herbs or spices or natural products, is to test the true worth of the current fruit – which in this case is, bitter melon.
Well, here is what I found at the end of a 30 day trial period:
How Many Grams of Bitter Melon do I Eat in a Day to Lower My Blood Sugar Levels – Article Contents:
1) What is Bitter Melon?
2) What are the Main Uses of Bitter Melon?
3) How has Bitter Melon Helped Me Control My Blood Sugar?
4) What is My Daily Dosage of Bitter Melon for Optimal Blood Sugar Control?
5) Are there any Drawbacks to Eating Bitter Melon for Diabetics?
6) Would I Recommend it to Other Diabetics?
What is Bitter Melon?
Bitter melon is a vine that is native to Africa, Asia and the Caribbean Islands. The scientific name of this plant is Momordica charantia. This fruit has many varieties.
As per the varieties, the taste, flavor and bitterness level of bitter melon varies. The first species of this Mediterranean vine was found in Africa.
In fact, even till date, the Kung tribe in Africa, consume bitter melon as their staple diet during the summer months. Both the African as well as the Asian variant possess potent medicinal capabilities.
What I Found Interesting about this Vine?
So, the plant is approximately 15 feet or even more in length. It is blessed with 3 to 4 inch leaves that appear in an alternate pattern. The shape of the fruit is oblong.
The exterior of the fruit has a rather rugged and thorny appearance. The interior on the other hand, is soft and tender. The interior of this fruit is soft and fleshy. You often view seeds within its tender interior.
I have seen the fruit’s color change from green to yellow. This happens over a period of time (usually 5 to 7 days). I have also noticed the seeds getting bigger and darker in color if you prolong the duration.
What are the Different Varieties of Bitter Melon?
There are basically, the Indian and the Chinese varieties of bitter melon. The African variety was one that I never got my hands onto – I believe it was because Africa is far away from my country.
The Indian Variety:
The Indian bitter melon is around 4 to 6 inches in length and about 3 inches in diameter. It has rugged or even jagged edges. It is green in color.
The inside of the Indian bitter melon is soft and tender. It has seeds and pith. Both can be consumed or removed as per the user’s discretion. The shape of the Indian bitter melon is oval with pointed peaks.
I also found the taste to be quite bitter.
The Chinese Variety:
The Chinese bitter melon is around 10 to 12 inches in length. It has a smooth exterior with minor ridges. The edges of the Chinese bitter melon are smooth as well.
It is creamy in color and its interior flesh is loose. I find it easier to consume this variant as it is less bitter than its Indian counterpart.
I have also freeze-dried the Chinese bitter melon and consumed it at my personal convenience.
What are the Main Uses of Bitter Melon?
In this article, I shall only be discussing the health benefits (if any) of bitter melon. So, this is what my research on bitter melon concluded:
Storehouse of Nutrients:
Bitter Melon is a storehouse of nutrients and antioxidants. Just 100 grams of bitter melon meets 99% of my daily Vitamin C requirement (RDA). Besides, it contains lots of Vitamin A, ample fibers, folate, zinc, iron and even potassium.
Low in Calories:
The biggest issue diabetics like me face is calorie surplus. We have to watch our calories as gaining weight is relatively easy for a diabetic. I personally gained 26 pounds in just 2 years.
So, bitter melon is a great choice for me. A 100 gram serving of this fruit contains just 21 calories. So, it is a great nutrient rich meal minus the fattening calories.
Kills Cancer Cells:
There have been several research studies that have confirmed that bitter melon has the ability to literally annihilate cancer cells. The cancer cells located in the colon, stomach and the lung area are targeted the most by bitter melon extract.
These research are test tube based. They also claim that breast cancer cells too could be destroyed with the aid of bitter melon extract. The exact dosage and extraction procedure is unknown to me.
Helps My Heart Function Better:
Yet another reason why I like bitter lemon is because it reduces LDL levels in my body. Basically, my cholesterol levels are reduced when I consume this fruit on a regular basis.
Then in turn helps my heart function better. Nonetheless, more research is needed to confirm this claim.
Helps Me Digest My Carbs:
While 50 grams of bitter melon contains just 1 gram of fiber, it is of relatively high quality. I usually consume 200 to 300 grams in a single meal.
I get about 6 grams of high quality fibers. This helps me digest my carbohydrates by slowing down the overall digestive process. So, my insulin spike too is reduced considerably.
Helps Keep My Glucose Levels in Check:
My hemoglobin A1c decreased considerably when I consumed bitter melon for a month. I was consuming almost 2100mg of bitter melon daily.
I also found out that my insulin secretion was boosted via the aid of bitter melon. The doctor who performed a check-up on my glucose levels stated that my fructosamine levels had also decreased.
All this helped me lower my blood sugar levels naturally.
How has Bitter Melon Helped Me Control My Blood Sugar?
In order to check the accuracy of my blood sugar levels, I purchased a special devise that permitted me to check my glucose levels at home. I then checked my sugar levels on a daily basis. Basically, I got used to the pricks (pun intended).
Here is how bitter melon helped me check my blood sugar levels:
@ Bitter melon extract is rich in charantin. This in turn helped me reduce my plasma glucose intolerance.
@ The extract of bitter melon also a blend of two sapolin compounds. These compounds reduce insulin resistance.
@ I have also researched and found that bitter melon extract helps increase hepatic glycogen synthesis.
@ It also assists in decreasing hepatic gluconeogenesis. This in turn helps maintain optimal glucose levels in the human body.
@ My peripheral glucose oxidation increased considerably when I consumed bitter melon extract for over a month. This is yet again a clear indicator that this fruit is a boon for diabetics.
@ Bitter melon extract is also known to ape the insulin secretion process performed by my pancreas. In my case, the reduced insulin production was thus compensated and increased by bitter melon intake.
Which do I Prefer – Chinese or Indian?
I prefer the Indian bitter melon as it has higher antioxidant properties and higher phytochemical compounds. Hence, they are better than its Chinese counterparts in fighting my Type 2 diabetes.
What is My Daily Dosage of Bitter Melon for Optimal Blood Sugar Control?
I have consumed bitter melon in various forms. Let me discuss a few of these with you:
Consuming as a Major Meal:
Tip # 1: In the very first method, I steamed and fried bitter melon (the Indian variant) in olive oil or ghee. This I consumed with my favorite whole wheat breads.
Tip # 2: I have also steamed bitter melon. In fact, there have been days wherein I have baked bitter lemon. Sometimes, I take the seeds out and then deep fry bitter melon in ghee.
Tip # 3: I have also stir fried bitter melon in ghee. I toss in some tomatoes, olives and onions. To this, I add a few scrambled eggs.
Tip # 4: I cut bitter melon in two pieces. I then scoop out the seeds and pith. I then shallow fry the skin (minus the pulp and seeds) in some ghee. This I use as a compliment to my daily salad dosage and often sprinkle powdered flaxseed on it.
So, I usually consume 1 or 2 bitter melon in a meal. This in turn implies that I am consuming 90 to 180 grams of bitter melon in a single day.
Drinking Bitter Melon Juice:
The second option is super easy. I extract the juice of bitter lemon and then, store it in a glass bottle.
I have done it once. The next time I needed it, I purchased fresh bitter melon juice from the farmers market. It is far easier to get it from the farmers market.
I started by drinking 50ml of bitter melon juice per day. After about a week, I increased the dosage to 100ml a day. Overall, I was really satisfied with the 100ml a day juice. It gave me the best result.
Consuming Dried Bitter Melon:
In the last and final method, I went to a local organic store and got home dried bitter melon. I then divided the dosage into three equal parts.
For the first week, I consumed 9 grams of dried bitter melon in a single day. This in turn implied that I consumed 3 grams in the morning, 3 grams at noon and 3 grams at night.
After about a week, I increased the dosage to 15 grams a day. This I divided into 3 equal parts. So, I had 5 grams of freeze dried bitter melon in the morning, 5 grams in the afternoon and 5 grams in the evening.
What was My Choice of Consumption?
Honestly, I liked to consume my bitter melon in the form of a meal. I did not like the ‘juice’ or the ‘freeze dried’ version of this fruit.
Are there any Drawbacks to Eating Bitter Melon for Diabetics?
The big question now comes – can I get ill or sick eating bitter melon?
Well, if you consume a truckload of bitter melon in a single meal then, the answer is, “Yes, you can fall sick.”
Nonetheless, if you consume bitter melon in moderate amounts then, the answer to your questions is, “No, you cannot fall sick.”
To be on the safer side, simple follow my consumption methods (as mentioned in the above sub-heading). Stay within my prescribed daily consumption limits and you shall be rewarded with good health.
Nonetheless, side effects are present with almost every herb, fruit or product out there. So how can bitter Melon be spared of this wrath?
Well, here are the possible side effects of consuming way too much bitter melon:
@ It is supposed to be safe for human consumption. Nonetheless, if you eat excessively then, bitter melon overdose may cause an upset stomach.
@ You may also make note that consuming bitter melon in any form via the mouth for more than 4 months may cause digestive issues.
@ Bitter melon juice should also be taken in the prescribed dosage. Anything more than this may cause digestive issues.
@ If you are consuming bitter melon extract way beyond the prescribed doses then, it may lead to kidney infections.
@ In some cases, constant overdose of bitter melon extract or juice may cause gastric ulcers.
@ Pregnant women and expecting mothers should avoid consuming bitter melon.
@ If you are on insulin therapy then, avoid bitter melon as your blood glucose levels may dip dramatically.
@ If you are consuming P450 substrate medicines then again, you should not consume bitter melon. If you do so then, your medicine may not be digested properly.
Would I Recommend it to Other Diabetics?
By mimicking the actions of insulin, bitter melon is a fruit that helps maintain optimal blood sugar levels. My A1c levels also reduced after 30 days of bitter melon intake.
So, I can confidently say that consuming bitter melon is a good idea to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Nonetheless, you need to stay within the prescribed doses. An overdose of bitter melon may prove harmful.
At the same time, BestDietarySupplementforDiabetics research team have stated that unless you merge bitter melon with a healthy diet, herbs that lower blood sugar fast and a regular exercise routine, the effects may not be optimal.
So, think of bitter melon as an appetizer that you need to consume before a delicious meal.
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