The Efficacy and Effects of Bitter Melon Soaked in Water
Disease description:
My mom recently heard somewhere—though I don't know where—that drinking water infused with bitter melon has benefits. She's been drinking it for several days and even asked me to try it too. I'm wondering, is this actually effective?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
The functions and benefits of bitter melon soaked in water mainly include the following aspects:
1. Clearing heat and relieving summer heat: Bitter melon is cold in nature and bitter in taste, entering the heart, spleen, and stomach meridians. It has the effect of clearing internal heat and relieving heatstroke. Drinking an appropriate amount of bitter melon water during hot summer days can eliminate internal heat and fire, helping to prevent heatstroke.
2. Antioxidant and beautifying effects: Bitter melon water contains a certain amount of vitamin C and alkaloids. These components can scavenge free radicals, providing antioxidant and anti-aging effects. At the same time, vitamin C can regulate pigment metabolism in the skin and promote collagen production, thereby improving skin health and appearance.
3. Stimulating appetite: Organic acids in bitter melon water can enhance the sensitivity of taste buds. Combined with its unique bitter taste, it helps stimulate appetite, making it suitable for individuals experiencing poor appetite.
4. Supporting blood sugar reduction: Bitter melon contains bitter melon glycosides, which are substances similar to insulin. These compounds can promote insulin secretion, thus assisting in lowering blood sugar levels, offering certain benefits for individuals with diabetes.
In addition, pregnant and lactating women are advised against consuming large amounts of bitter melon or drinking bitter melon water, as it may affect their own health and that of the fetus.
