Can soaking bitter melon in water lower blood sugar levels?
Apr 22, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
In general, bitter melon soaked in water can help lower blood sugar levels to some extent. Bitter melon contains various active components, such as momordicoside and insulin-like peptide compounds. Momordicoside can promote the utilization and conversion of glucose, while insulin-like peptides can mimic the effects of insulin, aiding in reducing blood glucose levels. However, the effectiveness varies from person to person, and it cannot replace antidiabetic medications.
Generally, bitter melon soaked in water can lower blood sugar to some extent, but the effect varies among individuals and cannot replace antidiabetic medications. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Bitter melon contains various active components, such as momordicoside and insulin-like peptide compounds. Momordicoside can promote the utilization and conversion of glucose, while insulin-like peptides can mimic the action of insulin, helping to reduce blood glucose levels. Therefore, moderate consumption of bitter melon water may have a certain auxiliary hypoglycemic effect for individuals with high blood sugar.
However, diabetic patients should not rely solely on drinking bitter melon water to control blood sugar. Bitter melon water can be used as a supplementary beverage, but it is essential to follow medical advice regarding appropriate medication, dietary control, and comprehensive management strategies including physical activity. Additionally, bitter melon is cold in nature, and excessive consumption may cause discomfort, especially for individuals with cold body constitution or weak spleen and stomach. Therefore, it is recommended to consume bitter melon water in moderation.
In daily life, individuals with high blood sugar are advised to monitor their blood glucose regularly and undergo treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
