Bitter melon is a popular fruit used as a vegetable in Vietnamese markets. Steamed bitter melon with sesame salt, bitter melon soup with water spinach and crab… are famous dishes in Vietnam. Especially, bitter melon is a cheap fruit but with many health benefits:
Bitter melon helps boost the brain
Bitter melon provides a rich source of iron to the body to help the brain function better. When the body is rich in iron, the brain is supplied with enough oxygen because it is not lacking in blood. Therefore, eating bitter melon is very good for the functioning of the circulatory system and the brain.
Bitter melon helps nourish and beautify the skin
The fruit, leaves, stems, and flowers of bitter melon all have anti-aging effects on the skin. Take bitter melon fruit, or leaves, or stems, crush them and squeeze out the juice. Apply this bitter melon juice to the face several times a day, not only can keep the skin beautiful but also help treat diseases such as freckles, inflammation of the pores, and red nose due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Moreover, eating bitter melon, bitter melon flowers and leaves all help cool the liver and detoxify, so it is very beneficial for the body.
Prevents diabetes
Bitter melon is also well-known in the field of diabetes prevention due to its high content of manganese, which helps increase useful digestive enzymes for gluconeogenesis. Recent studies have also shown that manganese can stimulate insulin secretion, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes. Bitter melon also has a low glycemic index, so people with diabetes can eat it regularly.
Assists in treating anemia
Because bitter melon is rich in iron and vitamin B6, it helps better hematopoiesis, thus effectively preventing anemia.
Prevents eye diseases
Macular degeneration is an eye problem that can lead to blindness. The abundant vitamin A content in bitter melon is very useful for preventing eye problems, and this fruit is also the best source of vitamin A among vegetables.
Cleanses the veins
In addition to helping remove toxins and free radicals from the body, bitter melon leaves and fruits also help cleanse the circulatory system. Bitter melon leaf extract is used to fight against amenorrhea in women (lack of menstruation) and high blood urea (accumulation of nitrogen waste in the blood).
Helps reduce migraine
Bitter melon is rich in magnesium, which helps balance nerve conduction and has the magical ability to relieve headaches. Therefore, people with migraines should eat bitter melon regularly.
Although bitter melon has many benefits for the body, some people should pay attention when eating it:
People with cold constitution or poor taste
Bitter melon belongs to the category of cold food, has a cooling effect, so it is not suitable for people with cold constitution or poor taste. Therefore, people with a cold constitution should eat a moderate amount of bitter melon each time.
People with weak constitution or just recovering from illness
Bitter melon has a cooling and detoxifying effect, promotes blood circulation, so it is not good for the weak constitution of those who have just recovered from illness.
People with diarrhea or constipation should avoid eating bitter melon
Also due to the cooling nature of bitter melon, it is not a good food for people with diarrhea or constipation. Eating bitter melon will make their condition worse.
Special notes when eating bitter melon
Unappealing and Hard to Eat, But Surprisingly Cooling and Detoxifying – This Delicious Dish Can Be Cooked in This Style!
While bitter melon is beneficial for health, its bitter taste often discourages many people. You can refer to these cooking methods to make delicious dishes and take advantage of the benefits bitter melon has to offer.
