Is eating bitter melon good for the liver?

Many people dislike the bitter taste of bitter melon. However, this plant has many benefits, from aiding digestion, controlling blood sugar to boosting immunity. Many studies have also shown the benefits of bitter melon for the liver.

Eating bitter melon regularly will have the following effects on the liver:

Cooling, detoxifying the liver

In traditional medicine, bitter melon is considered a cold, bitter herb that helps clear heat, detoxify, increase urination, and aid digestion. In particular, bitter melon is often used to cool the liver, reduce heat in the body, and reduce symptoms such as acne and constipation, according to the health information site Everyday Health (USA).

Bitter melon contains many nutrients that help improve liver function.

PHOTO: AI

Anti-inflammatory, liver support

Modern research shows that bitter melon contains many antioxidant compounds such as catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin and chlorogenic acid. These substances all have the effect of protecting liver cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.

Additionally, a study in obese mice showed that bitter melon extract can reduce the expression of inflammatory genes in the liver while enhancing fatty acid metabolism. As a result, bitter melon helps improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Improve liver function, digestion

Bitter melon not only supports the liver but also benefits the digestive system. This plant stimulates bile secretion, aids in fat digestion and reduces bloating and indigestion. Some studies also show that bitter melon helps reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. These are two factors related to disease. fatty liver

Notes when using bitter melon

Although bitter melon has many health benefits, not everyone should use it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid eating bitter melon. The reason is that bitter melon contains substances such as momordicin, charantin, vicine, especially quinine. These substances can stimulate uterine smooth muscle contractions and affect the fetus.

People with hypoglycemia or those taking hypoglycemic drugs should also be careful. Bitter melon has the effect of lowering blood sugar. If used in conjunction with hypoglycemic drugs, it can cause the blood sugar lowering effect to be stronger, causing excessive hypoglycemia. Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, dizziness, sweating, and even fainting.

People with low blood pressure should also limit their intake of bitter melon. Bitter melon contains some substances that have a mild blood pressure lowering effect. These substances can cause people with low blood pressure to experience dizziness, fatigue, and a sudden drop in blood pressure, according to Everyday Health .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/an-kho-qua-co-mat-gan-khong-185250530162527063.htm