Easy and Practical, Here's How to Boil Bitter Melon to Help Lower Cholesterol and Diabetes

Kapanlagi.com - Bitter melon, a vegetable often avoided due to its bitter taste, actually holds a wealth of health benefits that should not be underestimated! Behind its bitterness, bitter melon is rich in active compounds that are beneficial in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels. For those of you battling diabetes or high cholesterol, consuming bitter melon can be a natural solution to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

One of the best ways to enjoy bitter melon is by boiling it and regularly drinking the broth. However, it’s important to remember that not all boiling methods can maximize its benefits. Improper processing can actually eliminate most of the essential nutrients contained in bitter melon.

To help you get the maximum benefits from bitter melon, here is a complete guide on how to boil bitter melon correctly. Keep reading so you can experience the extraordinary benefits of this vegetable!

1. Why Bitter Gourd is Good for Lowering Cholesterol and Blood Sugar?

Bitter gourd is not just an ordinary vegetable, but it also has medicinal properties that have long been utilized in traditional medicine. Some reasons why bitter gourd is effective in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar are:

Contains Charantin

Charantin is an active compound in bitter gourd that has been proven to enhance glucose utilization in the body and lower blood sugar levels.

Contains Polypeptide-P

This compound works similarly to natural insulin, helping to lower blood sugar levels by increasing glucose absorption by cells.

Contains Sterols

Bitter gourd also contains sterols that can lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood, thus helping to maintain heart health.

High in Antioxidants

The antioxidants in bitter gourd help reduce inflammation and improve the body's metabolic health.

2. How to Boil Bitter Melon Properly for Maximum Benefits

Boiling bitter melon the right way is very important to maintain its nutritional content. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose bitter melons that are bright green and not too old. Overripe bitter melons tend to be more bitter.
2. Wash the bitter melon thoroughly under running water.
3. Cut the bitter melon into several small pieces to help release its juices more easily when boiled.
4. Place the bitter melon into a pot filled with clean water. Use a ratio of 1 bitter melon to 500 ml of water.
5. Boil the bitter melon over medium heat for 10–15 minutes. Do not boil for too long as it may eliminate important nutrients.
6. Once boiled, strain the bitter melon water and let it sit until it cools down.

3. How to Reduce the Bitter Taste of Boiled Bitter Melon

One of the main obstacles in consuming bitter melon is its strong bitter taste. However, there are several ways to reduce its bitterness without losing its health benefits:

1. Soaking in Salt

Sprinkle a little salt on the bitter melon pieces, then let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing and boiling.

2. Boiling with Pandan Leaves or Ginger

Adding pandan leaves or ginger while boiling can help balance out the bitter taste.

3. Adding Honey

Once the bitter melon water is ready to drink, you can add a teaspoon of honey for a natural sweet flavor.

4. The Best Time to Consume Bitter Melon Brew

To optimize its benefits, the timing of consuming bitter melon brew should also be considered. Here are the recommended best times to consume it:

Morning Before Breakfast

Drinking bitter melon brew in the morning on an empty stomach can help stabilize blood sugar levels from the start of the day.

Before Lunch or Dinner

If consumed before meals, bitter melon brew can help control blood sugar levels after eating.

No More Than 2 Times a Day

Excessive consumption can cause digestive issues, so limit it to a maximum of 2 times a day.

5. Side Effects and Things to Consider

Although bitter melon has many health benefits, there are still several things to consider before consuming it regularly:

Not Recommended for Pregnant Women

Bitter melon can stimulate uterine contractions, so it is not recommended for pregnant women.

Can Cause Digestive Disturbances

Excessive consumption can lead to diarrhea or bloating due to the side effects of its active compounds.

Interactions with Diabetes Medications

If you are already taking blood sugar-lowering medications, it is advisable to consult with a doctor before consuming bitter melon to avoid hypoglycemia (too low blood sugar).

6. FAQ

1. How many times a day should one drink boiled bitter melon water?

Ideally, once or twice a day to avoid side effects such as digestive disturbances.

2. Can bitter melon be consumed in juice form?

Yes, in addition to being boiled, bitter melon can also be made into juice. However, its bitter taste is stronger, so it should be mixed with other fruits like apples or oranges.

3. Can boiled bitter melon water help with weight loss?

Bitter melon is low in calories and high in fiber, which can help with weight loss by boosting metabolism and improving digestion.

(kpl/rmt)