Can patients with diabetes eat bitter melon, and why?
Diabetes patients can consume bitter melon in moderation, as it offers benefits such as lowering blood sugar, being rich in dietary fiber, low in calories, containing antioxidant substances, and promoting insulin secretion. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional beforehand. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Lowering blood sugar: Bitter melon contains insulin-like substances such as charantin and polypeptide-P. These components can help reduce blood glucose levels and offer certain auxiliary therapeutic effects for diabetic patients, aiding in controlling blood sugar fluctuations.
2. Rich in dietary fiber: Bitter melon is high in dietary fiber, which helps delay the absorption of sugar from food, thus stabilizing blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of sudden spikes. Additionally, it promotes intestinal motility and improves digestive function.
3. Low in calories: Bitter melon has a low caloric content and does not cause rapid increases in blood sugar, making it suitable as part of daily diet for diabetes patients. It helps control total calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight.
4. Contains antioxidant substances: Bitter melon contains abundant antioxidants, such as vitamin C and flavonoids. These substances help protect the body from oxidative stress damage, reduce free radical-induced cellular damage, and thus protect pancreatic cell function.
5. Promotes insulin secretion: Components in bitter melon can promote insulin secretion, helping the body utilize glucose more effectively, thereby improving insulin resistance and enhancing blood sugar control.
When consuming bitter melon, diabetes patients should do so in moderation and incorporate it into an overall dietary plan, avoiding excessive intake of a single food item. At the same time, they should regularly monitor their blood glucose levels and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including appropriate physical activity and maintaining a positive mindset.