Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
- What is bitter melon?
- How does bitter melon work?
- Bitter Melon May Lower Blood Sugar & A1c
- Bitter Melon May Decrease Your Level of Insulin Resistance
- Bitter Melon May Improve Cardiovascular Health
- Bitter Melon May Help You Beat the Bulge
- Benefits of Bitter Melon
- Potential Side Effects
- Recommended Supplements
- Dosage and best forms
Although bitter melon may be new to you, it’s been used as a diabetes treatment for high glucose levels for centuries in places like India, China, parts of Africa and South America.
Bitter melon is part of the cucurbitaceae family, a vine that bears a variety of different shaped fruits that are commonly used in cooking stirs fries and soups, and as an herbal tea. The young leaves can also be eaten fresh as greens.
DISCLAIMER
Please note that this information is not an endorsement for bitter melon. We are simply sharing the research surrounding it. You should always discuss supplementation with your doctor.
What is bitter melon?
Bitter melon is a plant native to the tropical regions of Asia, South America, and the Caribbean. It also goes by several other names like “bitter squash,” “bitter gourd,” or “bitter apple,” as well as its scientific name, “momordica charantia.”
Judging by its many descriptive labels, you can probably guess how it tastes… bitter!
Still, while it may be one of the more sour fruits out there, you’ll soon discover that its health benefits are pretty darn sweet.
How does bitter melon work?
Armed with 32 active phytochemicals, bitter melon is a disease-fighting machine. It has many anti-viral, anti-bacterial and hypoglycemic properties. But the main selling point of bitter melon is its ability to improve chronic metabolic diseases.
Alongside its powerful phytochemicals, bitter melon contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents.
And combined, these properties have the potential to stabilize blood sugar, reduce body fat, support optimal metabolism, balance out hormones, regulate appetite, and reduce inflammation—all important factors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and its complications. And of course, these are perfect benefits for those with prediabetes, too!
Bitter Melon May Lower Blood Sugar & A1c
It is suspected that there are two specific compounds responsible for the blood sugar-lowering effects of bitter melon: charantin and polypeptide-p (an insulin-like plant chemical).
Together these compounds have hypoglycemic effects and may help lower fasting blood glucose levels and A1c, making bitter melon a potential treatment tool for people with type 2 diabetes.
In one study, diabetic participants given bitter melon (either 2g/day or 4g/day) for 10 weeks saw improvements in their fasting blood glucose and A1c levels. The participants taking 2g/day saw their A1c levels drop by an average 0.85% and their fasting levels drop by an average 15.3 mg/dl (0.9 mmol/l), and the participants on a dose of 4g/day saw their A1c levels drop by an average 1.15% and their fasting levels drop by an average 14.8 mg/dl (0.8 mmol/l).
Animal studies have shown that bitter melon has a greater influence on blood glucose than the popular diabetes medication metformin, so it may be beneficial to people who struggle with the digestive side effects of the commonly used drug.
Though, one study in newly diagnosed diabetics found metformin was far more effective than bitter melon, reducing fasting glucose by 14.7 mg/dl (0.8 mmol/l) over 4 weeks, compared to 2.3 mg/dl (0.1 mmol/l) in people taking bitter melon 2g/d.
Bitter Melon May Decrease Your Level of Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is a key contributor to high blood sugar levels. Because when your cells are resistant to insulin, insulin can’t unlock the cells so that glucose can be moved from the bloodstream into the cells.
Studies suggest compounds and proteins in bitter melon help to stimulate glucose uptake in insulin resistant cells. It sensitizes the cells so they become more responsive and acts almost like an insulin-substitute to help clear more glucose out of the bloodstream.
And on top of that, it may help enhance the function of pancreatic cells to assist with more balanced insulin production.
Bitter Melon May Improve Cardiovascular Health
It is unfortunate that living with type 2 diabetes increases your risk for cardiovascular disease, especially if your blood sugar levels aren’t kept within a healthy range.
Though fortunately, bitter melon appears to offer some great cardio-protective benefits.
In terms of improving cardiovascular health and circulation, the goal is generally to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol. So with these goals in mind, it looks like bitter melon may help do the trick.
Type 2 diabetic participants taking bitter melon saw a drop in total cholesterol of 3.75 mg/dl and 4.10 mg/dl on 2g/day and 4g/day doses, respectively. They also saw reductions in LDL cholesterol 3.20 mg/dl and 5.10 mg/dl, triglycerides 3.40 mg/dl and 13.80 mg/dl, and an improvement in HDL +1.85 mg/dl and +3.60 mg/dl.
Reviews have confirmed that bitter melon has several influences on enzymes and liver function that help improve lipid profile and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
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Bitter Melon May Help You Beat the Bulge
Type 2 diabetes is associated with a disruption in the body’s metabolic system, and because of this, many people struggle with weight and even obesity.
Fortunately, bitter melon may also have a positive effect on body weight because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, as well as its ability to influence gene expression in the liver.
Over 10 weeks of supplementation with bitter melon, participants lost an average 4.07 lbs (1.85 kg) and 6.83 lbs (3.10 kg), on 2g/day and 4g/day doses, respectively.
Bitter melon has also been shown to have a strong effect on fat storage and metabolism in several animal studies.
For example, one review found that bitter melon supplementation prevents the increase in size of fat cells (adipocyte hypertrophy) and this helps to reduce central fat mass and body weight gain.
In fact, researchers suggest that bitter melon is especially effective at fighting abdominal fat, which tends to be a more dangerous type of ‘inflammatory’ fat and is often a precursor to obesity. And animal studies have shown that bitter melon can help fight this obesity-induced chronic inflammation in fat tissue.
Benefits of Bitter Melon
Overall, there are several potential benefits of bitter melon for people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes:
- Lower fasting blood glucose
- Lower A1c levels
- Weight loss
- Improved cholesterol levels
Potential Side Effects
Side effects from bitter melon supplementation are not common. However, the most frequently reported side effects are mild gastrointestinal distress like diarrhea and mild gut pains.
Pregnant women should not take bitter melon without consulting with a doctor. And in fact, you should not supplement unless you talk to your doctor first, just to ensure there are no contraindications.
Remember, bitter melon is a glucose-lowering agent so if you already take medications like metformin, you can put yourself at risk of hypoglycemia.
Recommended Supplements
Dosage and best forms
Bitter melon can be taken in supplement form.
According to research, the recommended dosage for bitter melon supplements ranges from 1-3 grams per day.
Taking smaller doses several times throughout the day may reduce your likelihood of any unwanted side effects.
Bitter melon fruit can also be eaten fresh or cooked, and is often available at dedicated Asian grocery store or some farmers markets.
And just remember, while supplements can provide assistance, the foundation of your treatment should be based on a healthy low carb diet and an active lifestyle!
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Reading your article on bitter lemon has encouraged me to go ahead and eat the fruit to help regulate the fasting blood sugar. This damn diabetes must go and I’ll keep you up to speed on that as I make progress. Recently discovered the fruit at a grocery section of the mall and it was not expensive at all. Many thanks.
Keep us updated on your progress!
i am type 2-just recently diagnosed, one month. taking 2 tabs of metformin xr 500mg at night.
is it okay to supplement with your product. just found sugar balance tabs of 1700mg. is one per okay and when and if should i take this. blood sugars are average 170. have lost 20lbs or more and exercising 30 min on exercise bike.
Debi, check with your doctor before starting bitter melon, or any supplementation for that matter. Your doctor knows all of your medications and will be able to best advise you of any potential drug-interactions.
Consider pairing your medication with a lower carbohydrate diet to help optimize your blood sugar/A1c results. Keep us updated on your progress!
This article is very helpful. I will try Bitter melon. Am diabetic and taking metformin.
If you choose to eat bitter melon instead of taking the supplement how much bitter melon should you eat a day?
That is one question I could not find a specific answer for Anna. Though, people in Japan commonly eat the fruit in stir frys and so forth on a daily basis. And apparently, up to 100 milliliters of fresh bitter melon juice can be consumed each day.
Jedha
What are your thoughts on berberine?
Funny you ask, we have an article on Berberine coming in the next two weeks – it’s actually been shown promising results in helping with blood sugar, cholesterol, weight and fatty liver. Keep your eyes out for the article, it will be on the blog soon.
Thanks for further info about bitter melon supplement but in case id different but effect is the same. You know why I used bitter melon in a fresh juice form its little bit bitter but for it helps a lot I had been using third vegetable for almost 2 years.
Yes, we also suggest using the fruit fresh, it can be juiced or cooked. We do not have a group Rolando, so I removed your email for privacy purposes.
Hi. Thank you for your information on Bitter melon.
I noticed the supplements recommended were in milligrams but in the article the doses were in grams.
What are your thoughts on how much to start out taking and if it’s ok to take 2, 3 or 4 grams once someone is accustomed to it.
Thank you,
Cindy
According to research, the recommended dosage for bitter melon supplements ranges from 1-3 grams per day. Follow the manufacturers label of your chosen supplement and often it’s best to integrate things at lower doses to determine how they affect you. Also be sure to check with your doctor before supplementation.
Hi: I am eating bitter melon, kale and taking Tumeric. I also take Fenucreek and an apple cider vinegar supplement. Watching my diet and have lost about 11 pounds in two months. Also, drink lemon water in the morning and ginger and hot water in the am(reduces blood sugar and so does Fenucreek. Not missing any opportunity to reduce blood sugar and AIC
Hi Anita I., I have type 2 diabetes & I just started adding bitter melon to my diet in the last couple of days & I believe that I can already feel a positive change in my blood sugar levels. I feel fuller longer & I have not experienced as many dips & dives as I usually do throughout the day & have not needed to snack as much. I have never been on any diabetic medications & so far I have successfully managed my levels through exercise & diet. Thank you for sharing your tips & what works for you & I will try them for myself. I am inspired & encouraged by your results & I wish you continued success.
I’ve been taking bitter melon in supplement form for some time now. Along with watching my diet and other health supplements. Was diagnosed prediabetic some years ago and my test levels have kept me in the normal range. I’d like to ask your opinion on bitter melon in supplement form as I’m not prone to use in fresh fruit form for several reasons. Can you recommend either a brand, supplier, or country of origin that is best for this.
Thanks
According to the research, supplemental form tends to be what most people use Ken.
So, is there a good, better, best list of supplement form bitter melon?
No specific list on that Ken, though there are a few Amazon links included to quality supps above.
This is something related to flours. Chickpea flour seems to have lesser carb than the coconut flour but the coconut flour apparently has higher content of fiber. Which one is better for baking bread?
Thank you,
Both are appropriate to use in regulated portions. Almond flour and flaxseed meal are two lower carb options.
HOW MUCH BITTER MELON SHOULD I TAKE PER DAY.
According to research, the recommended dosage for bitter melon supplements ranges from 1-3 grams per day. Follow the manufacturers label of your chosen supplement and be sure to check with your doctor before supplementation.
I find Himalaya Bitter Melon is excellent. It contains a total of 660 mgs. of bitter melon. 250 mgs. are from the fruit as 410 mgs. are in a powder bitter melon form. So they offer good strength as they are taken. The green tablets can be broken in half easily too. Health food sections of stores like Fresh Thyme carry it. Also Walmart online can get it shipped out.
I am interested in trying the bitter melon,
The bitter melon article is SO interesting. I’m going to try to track it down in South Africa, or failing that, surrounding countries. The image looks a bit familiar, but I’ll use the botanical name in my search. If I have any success I’ll let you know.
All the best
Jackie
I have been taking bitter melon smoothie and it surely lower my blood sugar,your write just improved my understanding of the plant.thank you