Winter melon and bitter melon: A pair that helps reduce inflammation and lower liver enzymes

In traditional medicine, squash and bitter melon are considered two foods that have a cooling effect on the liver, helping to purify and improve liver function. Many scientific evidences also show the biological benefits of these two plants.

Winter melon contains more than 90% water, providing vitamin C and some compounds with antioxidant activity such as flavonoids and triterpenoids, especially concentrated in the skin and seeds. Winter melon extracts have the effect of reducing oxidative stress in liver cells, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Winter melon and bitter melon are both plants that are beneficial for the liver.

PHOTO: AI

In addition, some preclinical studies on animals show that polysaccharides extracted from squash have antioxidant effects and regulate lipid metabolism, thereby helping to reduce fat accumulation in the liver and support liver cell protection.

Meanwhile, bitter melon is famous for its characteristic bitter taste and rich bioactive content. The triterpenoid, flavonoid and momordicin compounds in bitter melon have been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines. This is the main factor related to chronic hepatitis. Thanks to that, bitter melon helps soothe the inflammatory response and protect liver cells from damage caused by prolonged inflammation.

The active ingredient polypeptide-P in bitter melon has a similar structure to insulin. It helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fat accumulation in the liver. When the liver is less fatty, liver enzymes are also maintained at a more stable level, thereby reducing the risk of increased liver enzymes due to metabolic disorders.

The combination of squash and bitter melon can have synergistic benefits in protecting the liver. While squash helps purify, detoxify and cool down, bitter melon helps fight inflammation and regulate sugar and fat metabolism.

There are many ways to combine bitter melon and squash, such as cooking soup together, blending them into smoothies or making juice. Adding these two plants can help the liver function properly, especially in people who have a high-fat diet or regularly drink alcohol.

However, nutritionists note that bitter melon can lower blood sugar, so people with diabetes who are taking medication should consult their doctor before using it regularly, according to Healthline .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bi-dao-va-kho-qua-cap-doi-giup-giam-viem-va-ha-men-gan-185251107124000752.htm