Many vegetables are known for their many health benefits. More vegetables composed diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and other health problems. Vegetables can supply the body with necessary nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber that are essential for the development and maintenance of the body and internal organs. Also, many vegetables contain phytochemicals that fight disease, which can help reduce the risk of various cancers, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
One of those vegetables that promote health is called bitter melon (Momordica Charantia). Besides being a source of food, bitter gourd is also used as a source of alternative medicine. This plant grows in tropical areas, such as Africa, Asia, South Africa, and the Caribbean. It is rich in iron, calcium, potassium, beta carotene, and phosphorus. Enhanced levels of insulin the body is one of the major health benefits of bitter melon. Numerous studies have shown that this herb increases the production of pancreatic beta cells which leads to improvements in the production of insulin in the body. Besides the production of insulin, bitter melon is also used to treat skin infections herpes, eczema, leprosy, even leukemia.
Bitter melon is said to be a remedy for those infections associated with retroviruses, including those that cause Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is said that vegetables can destroy strains of herpes viruses. Bitter melon is used as a folk remedy for the treatment of infections and other diseases. In addition to these, leaves extracts of Bitter melon has shown antibacterial activities against E. coli, a species of bacteria that can live in the lower intestines of mammals and humans. These bacteria are responsible for urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal diseases. It is also used as powerful antihelmintic (drugs that kill parasitic worms) substances that eliminate worms in the digestive tract. For external use, bitter melon is known to cure rashes, chapped skin, burns, hemorrhoids and psoriasis.
Considering the health benefits of bitter melon, it is now widely used as a dietary supplement. Over the years, medical researchers have verified the efficacy of bitter melon as an alternative medicinal product. Bitter melon capsules are now available in the market as an alternative treatment for diabetes, viruses, colds and other illnesses. However, these products should be used with some caution, because it can cause side effects and interact with some over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs and other medicinal plants.
Pregnant women are not encouraged to use this product because it can cause uterine contractions. Bitter melon should not be used by people of low blood sugar (blood glucose), as it may aggravate or cause low blood sugar levels. Also, diabetics who use prescription hypoglycemic medications or insulin should avoid bitter melon or its supplements unless prescribed by a doctor. People with cirrhosis of the liver and clinical history of hepatitis or HIV should also avoid the use of this herb.
While many health experts have praised bitter melon for its health benefits, this supplement should not be considered self-medication and should be taken with the approval of doctors or other health experts.
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