People with diabetes often hear about the potential benefits of consuming bitter foods, with bitter gourd standing out as a prominent contender. However, doubts often surround these claims, especially when it comes to scientific validation. In the past, I refrained from endorsing bitter gourd’s potential for diabetes control as I hadn’t encountered convincing scientific evidence. However, that changed when International Medical School, Malaysia, conducted groundbreaking research in 2012, providing solid proof of bitter gourd’s efficacy in reducing and managing diabetes.
Scientific Validation:
The study conducted in 2012 revealed that consuming 5 grams of bitter gourd powder daily for three months could lead to a reduction in HbA1c sugar levels by 3 to 5 points. This compelling evidence firmly established bitter gourd as a valuable tool in the fight against diabetes.
How Bitter Gourd Works:
Bitter gourd operates on three distinct levels to exert its control over diabetes.
Regulation of Glucose Absorption: Bitter gourd contains a chemical compound called charantin, which helps regulate the absorption of glucose from the intestines into the bloodstream. Additionally, the high fiber content in bitter gourd prevents rapid spikes in blood glucose levels. Together, charantin and fiber work in harmony to regulate glucose absorption, forming the first line of defense against diabetes.
Enhanced Glucose Utilization: When glucose fails to enter cells, blood sugar levels rise. Bitter gourd plays a crucial role in facilitating glucose entry into liver cells and brain cells, allowing for more efficient glucose utilization. This function is attributed to the presence of a chemical compound called vicine. Vicine is also known to control the liver’s production of glucose, preventing excessive release into the bloodstream as the second level of defense against diabetes.
Boosting Insulin Production: In the third level, bitter gourd’s chemical compounds, including charantin and vicine, come into play once again. They stimulate the activation of beta cells, resulting in increased insulin production. Moreover, bitter gourd contains an insulin-like polypeptide that mimics the role of insulin. This polypeptide reduces the body’s reliance on insulin, ensuring efficient glucose entry into cells. In cases of insulin resistance, a common issue in adults with Type 2 diabetes, this polypeptide acts as a substitute, allowing glucose to enter cells promptly.
How to Use Bitter Gourd:
To harness the benefits of bitter gourd, you have two options:
Bitter Gourd Powder: You can find bitter gourd powder in the market or prepare it at home. To make it at home, slice bitter gourd rounds, dry them thoroughly, and then grind them into a fine powder. Consume 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of this powder daily, preferably twice a day, with your meals.
Bitter Gourd Juice: Another method is to prepare bitter gourd juice. Mix 25 ml to 50 ml of the juice with 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of honey. You can enjoy this juice as part of your daily routine.
Important Considerations:
Bitter gourd’s effectiveness is enhanced when used alongside a controlled diet. It’s essential to exercise moderation with sweets, rice, and other foods to achieve optimal results.
A change in lifestyle, including dietary control and regular exercise, remains a vital component of diabetes management. Bitter gourd complements these efforts but cannot replace them.
Conclusion:
The scientific evidence supporting bitter gourd’s ability to control diabetes at multiple levels is both compelling and encouraging. Whether you choose to incorporate bitter gourd powder or juice into your daily routine, rest assured that it can play a valuable role in your diabetes management strategy. As science has validated its efficacy, seize the opportunity to reap the natural benefits of bitter gourd and take charge of your health.