How to Eat Bitter Melon to Lower Blood Sugar
Dec 23, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, bitter melon can be used to assist in lowering blood glucose through various preparations such as bitter melon tea, bitter melon mixed with onion, stir-fried bitter melon, bitter melon juice, or consuming raw bitter melon. Wash the bitter melon, remove the seeds, and slice it for later use. Place a pan over heat, add oil and sauté sliced ginger, then add the bitter melon and stir-fry until cooked. Components found in bitter melon may help protect and repair pancreatic β-cells, indirectly promoting insulin secretion.
Generally, bitter melon can be used to assist in lowering blood sugar through methods such as drinking bitter melon tea, bitter melon mixed with onion, stir-fried bitter melon, bitter melon juice, and eating raw bitter melon. The specific methods are as follows:
1. Bitter melon tea: Place dried bitter melon slices into boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Drink the liquid as a tea. Drinking an appropriate amount daily may help control blood sugar levels.
2. Bitter melon with onion: Cut bitter melon and onion into thin strips and season with sesame oil, salt, and sesame paste. The sulfides found in onions also help lower blood sugar.
3. Stir-fried bitter melon: Wash the bitter melon, remove the seeds, and slice it for later use. Place a wok over heat, add oil and sauté sliced ginger, then add the bitter melon and stir-fry until cooked.
4. Bitter melon juice: Cut the bitter melon into small pieces and extract the juice using a juicer. This allows for rapid intake of the blood sugar-lowering components in bitter melon, but adding sweeteners is not recommended.
5. Raw bitter melon: Slice or cut the bitter melon into thin strips and consume directly. The saponins and insulin-like substances in bitter melon help lower blood sugar.
The components in bitter melon may help protect and repair pancreatic beta cells, indirectly promoting insulin secretion. It is generally recommended to consume about 100-200 grams of fresh bitter melon daily, without excessive consumption.
