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Original price €32,90

Original price €32,90 - Original price €32,90

Original price €32,90

Current price €29,28

€29,28 - €29,28

Current price €29,28

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Gluco Rapid GDA · 90 capsules

12 reviews

GN Laboratories

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body. They are mainly transported into the cells either in the form of glucose, where they ...
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Original price €32,90

Original price €32,90 - Original price €32,90

Original price €32,90

Current price €29,28

€29,28 - €29,28

Current price €29,28

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Save 11% Save %

The bitter melon - also known as balsam pear, bitter melon, ampalaya, kurela or bitter gourd - is a plant that grows in parts of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and South America. The bitter melon comes from the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). It is an annual vine whose leaves are similar to those of the vine, but smaller. The pretty little yellow flowers have five petals. The fruit resembles a warty vegetable cucumber. Unripe it is green, ripe it turns yellow-orange and finally bursts open along three longitudinal seams to release the seeds. The unripe fruit is used for medicinal and culinary purposes. The balsam pear is cultivated in almost all tropical countries. There it is both a valued vegetable and a proven medicinal plant.

Bitter melon is rich in important nutrients

Bitter melon is an excellent source of several key nutrients. 100 grams of bitter melon provide (1):

Kcal: 20
Carbohydrates: 4 grams
Dietary fiber: 2 grams
Vitamin C: 93% of the recommended daily intake
Vitamin A: 44% of the recommended daily intake
Folate: 17% of the recommended daily intake
Potassium: 8% of the recommended daily intake
Zinc: 5% of the recommended daily intake
Iron: 4% of the recommended daily intake

Bitter melon is particularly rich in vitamin C, an important micronutrient involved in disease prevention, bone formation and wound healing (2). It is also rich in vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes skin health and good eyesight (3).Bitter melon provides folate, which is essential for growth and development, as well as smaller amounts of potassium, zinc and iron (4). The bitter cucumber also contains a group of saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides and alkaloids. This combination of active ingredients stimulates the production of beta cells in the pancreas and has been shown to reduce the concentration of sugar in the blood and urine. Bitter melon is also a good source of catechins, gallic acid, epicatechin and chlorogenic acid - powerful antioxidant compounds that can help protect the body's cells from damage (5). In addition, this fruit is low in calories and high in fiber, with 100 grams providing about 8% of the daily fiber requirement.

Possible health benefits of bitter melon

Bitter melon is best known as a traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Scientific research has confirmed these effects and also suggests that bitter melon may have a number of other health benefits. The following sections will take a closer look at some of these potential health benefits and the current scientific research.

Bitter melon can help lower blood sugar levels

Thanks to its potent medicinal properties, bitter melon has long been used by peoples around the world to treat conditions associated with diabetes (6). In recent years, several scientific studies have confirmed the role of this fruit in blood sugar control. A three-month study of 24 adults suffering from diabetes showed that consuming 2,000 mg of bitter melon per day lowered blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1c, a test used to measure blood sugar control over the previous three months (7).

Another study of 40 diabetics found that taking 2,000 mg of bitter melon per day for 4 weeks resulted in a small reduction in blood glucose levels. In addition, the supplement lowered fructosamine levels, which is another marker for long-term blood sugar control (8). Bitter melon is believed to improve the way sugar is used in the body's tissues and to promote the release of insulin, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels (9). However, the amount of human studies available is limited and larger, higher quality studies are needed to understand how bitter melon may affect blood glucose levels in different groups of people.

Summary: Bitter melon has been shown to improve several markers of long-term blood glucose control including fructosamine and hemoglobin A1c. However, further research is needed.

Bitter melon could have cancer-fighting properties

Scientific research suggests that bitter melon contains compounds with cancer-fighting properties. For example, a study conducted in a test tube showed that bitter melon extract can kill cancer cells of the stomach, intestines, lungs and nasopharynx (10). Another study conducted in a test tube came to similar conclusions, reporting that bitter melon extract was able to prevent the growth and spread of breast cancer cells while promoting cancer cell death (11). It should be kept in mind that these studies were conducted using concentrated amounts of bitter melon extract and isolated cells in the laboratory. Further research is needed to determine how bitter melon affects cancer growth and development in humans when consumed in normal amounts.

Summary: Studies conducted in test tubes show that bitter melon may have anticancer properties and may be effective in fighting stomach cancer cells, colon cancer cells, lung cancer cells, breast cancer cells, and nasopharyngeal cancer cells.

Bitter melon could lower cholesterol levels

High cholesterol levels can promote the buildup of fatty plaque deposits in the arteries, which force the heart to work harder and increase the risk of heart disease (12). Several studies conducted with animals found that bitter melon could lower cholesterol levels and thus promote overall heart health. One study conducted with rats fed a high cholesterol diet observed that the administration of bitter melon extract resulted in a significant reduction in total cholesterol levels, LDL "bad" cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels (13).

Another study found that rats given bitter melon extract had significantly lower cholesterol levels compared to animals given only a placebo. Higher doses of bitter melon showed the strongest effect in this respect (14). At present, research into the potential cholesterol-lowering properties of bitter melon is mainly limited to animal studies using high doses of bitter melon extracts. Further research is needed to determine whether the same effects are seen in humans who consume bitter melon as part of a balanced diet.

Summary: Animal studies show that bitter melon may lower cholesterol levels, which could support heart health. However, further human studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans.

Bitter melon could support weight loss

Bitter melon is an excellent addition to a weight loss diet because it is low in calories and high in fiber (1). Fiber passes through the digestive tract very slowly, helping to satiate longer and reduce hunger and appetite (15, 16). For this reason, replacing higher calorie foods with bitter melon could help increase fiber intake and reduce calorie intake to promote weight loss. In addition, scientific research shows that bitter melon can have positive effects on fat burning and weight loss.

One study found that consuming 4.8 grams of bitter melon extract per day led to a significant reduction in abdominal fat. The study participants lost an average of 1.3 centimeters in abdominal circumference over the course of 7 weeks (17). A study conducted with rats fed a high-fat diet found that bitter melon extract was more effective than a placebo in reducing body weight (18). It should be kept in mind that these studies were conducted using high-dose bitter melon supplements. It is therefore unclear whether consuming bitter melon as part of a regular diet would have the same effects.

Summary: Bitter melon is low in calories and high in fiber. Studies have also found that bitter melon may help reduce belly fat and body weight.

Bitter melon is versatile and delicious

Bitter melon has a characteristic flavor that goes well with many dishes. Before preparation, the fruit should be washed and then cut open lengthwise. The seeds are then removed from the center of the fruit with a spoon and the fruit is then cut into thin slices. Bitter melon can be enjoyed raw or cooked as an ingredient in various recipes. It can be pan-fried, stewed, baked or even hollowed out and filled with a filling of your choice.

Here are some interesting ways to add bitter melon to your diet:

You can blend bitter melon with other fruits and vegetables to make a nutrient-packed drink.
You can add bitter melon to a vegetable stir-fry.
You can add bitter melon to scrambled eggs with tomatoes, garlic and onions.
You can add bitter melon to salads.
You can stuff bitter melon with minced meat and vegetables

Recommended intake

There is no standard dosage for bitter melon. Some people eat a small melon daily, while others use supplements according to the manufacturer's recommended dosage.

Requirements in sport

Bodybuilders can benefit from bitter melon supplements because it increases insulin secretion. This allows bodybuilders to boost anabolism by increasing insulin levels, stimulate protein synthesis and achieve muscular hypertrophy without excessive calories in the form of simple carbohydrates.

Risks and side effects

Bitter melon appears to be safe and harmless, at least for short-term use. However, it can cause side effects such as stomach problems, stomach cramps and diarrhea (19). Bitter melon is not considered safe for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. Bitter melon should not be consumed during pregnancy or breastfeeding. As balsam melon can significantly lower blood sugar levels, it should not be used in the presence of hypoglycemia (severely low blood sugar levels).

Interactions

Bitter melon can affect blood sugar levels. This can lead to very low blood sugar levels when combined with some diabetes medications. For this reason, you should discuss the use of bitter melon with your doctor if you suffer from diabetes and/or use diabetes medication. If you regularly take medication, you should consult your doctor before using bitter melon, as interactions between bitter melon and certain medications cannot be ruled out.

Conclusion

Bitter melon is a fruit with a unique appearance and taste. Not only is it rich in several important nutrients, but it is also associated with numerous health benefits that include better blood sugar control and lower cholesterol levels. Pregnant women and people taking certain medications - especially blood sugar-lowering drugs - should talk to their doctor before consuming large amounts of bitter melon or using supplements. In moderate amounts, bitter melon is a tasty and nutritious addition to a healthy, well-rounded diet.

Bitter melon

Gluco Rapid GDA · 90 capsules