BITTER GOURD
aka Momordica charantia , bitter melon; bitter apple , bitter squash , balsam-pear
GROW
Propagate: seedings
Light: sunny
Water: once a day
Soil: good drainage
Fertilizer: twice a month
USES
Can Help Reduce Blood Sugar : Thanks to its potent medicinal properties, bitter melon has long been used by indigenous populations around the world to help treat diabetes-related conditions
In recent years, several studies confirmed the fruit’s role in blood sugar control.
Bitter melon is thought to improve the way that sugar is used in your tissues and promote the secretion of insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels
May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties : Research suggests that bitter melon contains certain compounds with cancer-fighting properties.
Could Decrease Cholesterol Levels : High levels of cholesterol can cause fatty plaque to build up in your arteries, forcing your heart to work harder to pump blood and increasing your risk of heart disease
Several animal studies found that bitter melon may decrease cholesterol levels to support overall heart health.
May Aid Weight Loss : Bitter melon makes an excellent addition to a weight loss diet, as it’s low in calories yet high in fiber. It contains approximately 2 grams of fiber in each one-cup (94-gram) serving
Fiber passes through your digestive tract very slowly, helping keep you fuller for longer and reducing hunger and appetite.Therefore, swapping higher-calorie ingredients with bitter melon could help increase your fiber intake and cut calories to promote weight loss.
Some research also shows that bitter melon can have beneficial effects on fat burning and weight loss.
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