I’ll admit it, bitter melon (or as we call it in Hindi, karela) is not exactly at the top of my grocery list. It’s not exactly the kind of vegetable that makes your mouth water at the mere thought of it. But, as someone who’s always on the lookout for ways to improve my health, I couldn’t ignore the buzz surrounding this bitter green gourd.
Originally from India and other Asian countries, bitter melon has been used for centuries to treat diabetes and for good reason- it contains a chemical that acts like insulin to help reduce blood sugar levels. Now, I’m not saying that I’ve completely converted to a bitter melon lover overnight, but I’ve learned to appreciate the benefits that come from incorporating it as a part of my healthy diet. So, even if the taste isn’t your favorite, give it a chance, you might just be surprised at how much your body will thank you.
Did you know that there exists such a thing as bitter guard tea? Who would have thought that a bitter gourd could lead to a sip of sweetness? But, as they say, don’t knock it till you try it. Bitter melon tea is not only a delicious way to get your daily dose of this nutrient-rich vegetable, but it’s also a great alternative for those of us who can’t stomach the taste of the actual veggie.
In this article, we’ll discover the amazing health benefits of bitter melon tea, and I’ll even share a recipe for those daring enough to give it a try. So, brew yourself a cup, and let’s dive into the bitter-sweet world of bitter melon tea.
How To Make Bitter Melon Tea
Making bitter melon tea is a simple and easy process that can be done right in the comfort of your own home. The ingredients you’ll need are dried or fresh slices of bitter melon, water, and a natural sweetener such as honey or agave syrup (optional). You can also use dried leaves of bitter melon, but using the melon itself is more readily available.
To make the tea, bring the water to a boil in a pot and add the dried or dehydrated bitter melon slices. Let the water boil for 10 minutes on medium heat so that all the nutrients of the bitter melon can seep into it. After boiling, remove the pot from the heat and let the slices steep for a few more minutes.
Next, filter the contents of the pot into a teapot or individual cups. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a touch of honey or another natural sweetener. But keep in mind, if the tea is being consumed primarily to regulate blood sugar levels, it’s best to avoid the sweeteners.
It’s important to note that bitter melon may have some side effects, particularly for people suffering from hypoglycemia. Therefore, it’s recommended that you consult with a physician before adding this tea to your diet. With these easy steps, you can now enjoy the health benefits of bitter melon tea in the comfort of your own home.
What Are The Bitter Melon Tea Benefits?
Bitter melon tea, made from the dried or fresh slices of the bitter gourd, is a beverage that packs a punch when it comes to health benefits. Let’s explore the amazing health benefits of bitter melon tea:
Immune System Boost
Bitter melon tea is possibly rich in Vitamin C, an essential nutrient that can help stimulate the immune system. With its high levels of ascorbic acid, it increases the production of white blood cells and acts as an antioxidant in the body, suppressing oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals.
Anti-Cancer Potential
Bitter melon tea may have anti-cancer properties, according to studies, including a 2016 paper published in the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines. The tea, made from the fruit and other parts of the vine, may be packed with the same advantages. Compounds found in bitter gourd, such as cucurbitane type triterpenoids and karaviloside III, have exhibited anti-cancer properties during independent research.
Chronic Disease Prevention
The high antioxidant levels found in bitter melon tea may make it ideal for preventing chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, as well as autoimmune diseases. As a full-body tonic, this tea has a wide variety of applications in human health.
Metabolic Boost
The rich supply of B-family vitamins found in bitter melon makes this tea excellent for stimulating and optimizing the metabolic activities of the body. This can result in a more efficient hormonal and metabolic function, including passive fat-burning.
Heart Health
Bitter melon tea is known to have been connected to lower triglyceride levels in the body, which can mean less harmful deposition of cholesterol in the arteries. This can help to prevent atherosclerosis, as well as coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Diabetic Symptom Regulation
One of the possible uses of bitter melon tea may be for the regulation of diabetic symptoms. According to a study published in the Journal of Lipids, compounds like vicine and charantin are able to lower blood sugar levels by regulating carbohydrate metabolism. This may prevent the spikes and drops in glucose levels that can be dangerous to diabetic patients.
Digestive Health
Bitter melon tea has been traditionally used to treat stomach-aches, inflammation in the gut, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. This can also help to optimize digestion and increase nutrient uptake while eliminating symptoms of constipation and diarrhea.
Detoxification
Bitter melon tea may help detoxify the body and eliminate inflammation of the liver. This not only keeps the liver functioning well but can also moderate liver-induced skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
Vision Health
Bitter melon tea is rich in vitamin A, which helps in improving vision health. Vitamin A, derived from beta-carotene, acts as an antioxidant that can prevent macular degeneration and slow the development of cataracts.
