A favorite snack with beer is very good for the liver and heart.

(Dan Tri) - From regulating blood sugar, supporting the liver to boosting immunity, this "bitter" fruit is increasingly appreciated in healthy diets.

Bitter melon with shredded pork served with cold beer is a favorite dish of many people on hot summer days.

Notably, this snack is not only refreshing but also brings many health benefits.

Raw bitter melon helps control blood sugar

One of the outstanding effects of bitter melon is to help regulate blood sugar levels.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), bitter melon contains biologically active substances such as charantin, vicine and polypeptide-P. These compounds have properties similar to insulin, helping to increase the ability to absorb glucose into cells and reduce blood sugar levels.

Bitter melon with shredded pork is a favorite snack of many people (Photo: Getty).

Many scientific studies have confirmed this effect. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that consuming fresh bitter melon helps reduce blood sugar in people with prediabetes after 7 weeks of regular use.

However, people taking diabetes medication should be careful and avoid using raw bitter melon too often without a doctor's prescription, as it can increase the risk of sudden hypoglycemia.

Retains antioxidants, good for the liver and cardiovascular system

When eaten raw, bitter melon retains its vitamin C content and powerful antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and phenolics.

According to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), these active ingredients help neutralize free radicals in the body, thereby helping to prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic inflammation.

A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Nutrition showed that bitter melon extract has the effect of protecting the liver, supporting detoxification function and reducing liver enzyme index in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

In addition, the momordicin in bitter melon is noted to have the ability to regulate blood lipids, help reduce bad cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis. For people at risk of cardiovascular disease, the habit of eating a small amount of raw bitter melon each week can bring significant benefits.

Cooling, aids digestion and boosts immunity

With its cooling properties, bitter melon is often used as a food to help purify the body and cool down on hot days.

According to the Oriental Journal of Medicine, the active ingredients in bitter melon can stimulate digestive secretions, thereby helping the body absorb nutrients better and reduce symptoms of bloating and indigestion.

Eating raw bitter melon before or during meals also helps the intestines function more effectively. Some people use diluted bitter melon juice in the morning to clean the intestines and improve digestive motility, but it is necessary to follow the appropriate dosage to avoid stomach irritation.

In terms of immunity, the high vitamin C content in bitter melon is a factor that supports the production of white blood cells, helping the body fight pathogens. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a cup of raw bitter melon contains more than 90% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, enough to help strengthen the immune system if supplemented regularly.

Things to note when eating raw bitter melon

Although rich in nutrients, raw bitter melon is not always suitable for everyone.

According to nutritionists at the Harvard School of Public Health, pregnant women should not eat raw bitter melon because some components in the seeds can cause uterine contractions. People with low blood pressure or chronic digestive diseases should also be careful.

Before eating, choose young, fresh fruit that is not bruised or has a strange smell. Bitter melon needs to have its seeds removed, soaked in diluted salt water for about 10 minutes and washed several times to reduce the bitterness as well as remove residual bacteria.

Do not eat too much at one time. For healthy people, eating about 50-100g of raw bitter melon per week is appropriate.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/mon-nhau-khoai-khau-voi-bia-lai-rat-tot-cho-gan-va-tim-mach-20250729083357242.htm